Steven Van Aken

Title: Innovations of Steven Van Aken in Ceramic Materials

Introduction

Steven Van Aken is an accomplished inventor based in Blacksburg, Virginia. He holds a patent for innovative ceramic materials that exhibit low thermal conductivity and low coefficients of thermal expansion. His work contributes significantly to high-temperature applications, showcasing the potential of advanced materials in various industries.

Latest Patents

Van Aken's patent focuses on compositions with the general formula (Ca.sub.x Mg.sub.1-x)Zr.sub.4 (PO.sub.4).sub.6, where x ranges from 0.5 to 0.99. The materials produced through solid state and sol-gel processes demonstrate near-zero coefficients of thermal expansion when x is between 0.5 and 0.8. These MgCZP materials also exhibit unusually low thermal conductivities and stability at high temperatures. The process involves adjusting the pH of calcium, magnesium, and zirconium nitrate solutions, followed by dehydration and calcination to yield single-phase crystalline MgCZP powders. These powders are then sintered to form solid macrostructures suitable for high-temperature applications.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Steven Van Aken has worked with notable organizations such as the Center for Innovative Technology and Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc. His contributions to the field of materials science have been recognized for their innovative approach and practical applications.

Collaborations

Van Aken has collaborated with colleagues including Jesse J Brown and Deidre A Hirschfeld. Their combined expertise has furthered the development of advanced ceramic materials.

Conclusion

Steven Van Aken's work in ceramic materials represents a significant advancement in the field of materials science. His innovative approaches and patented technologies have the potential to impact various high-temperature applications positively.