Fermentation-derived controlled-porosity ceramics and metals
This technology creates porous materials — ceramics, metals, and polymers — by using biological fermentation (like yeast consuming sugar) to generate carbon dioxide bubbles inside a material before it hardens or is fired. The gas bubbles leave behind a network of tiny pores once the material solidifies, much like how bread rises. The approach works across a surprisingly wide range of materials, including epoxy resins, metal powders, and ceramic-forming liquids like polysilazane. The result is a lightweight, porous solid structure produced without the need for complex industrial foaming chemicals or high-pressure equipment.
What you could build
Low-cost porous ceramic or metal components for filtration, catalyst supports, or lightweight structural parts — sold to manufacturers of industrial filters, fuel cells, or orthopedic implants who need controlled porosity at reduced processing costs.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia-based advanced ceramics or metal parts manufacturers, as well as defense contractors in the Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia corridor needing lightweight structural or filtration components.
Readiness: Lab validated
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Gary R. Pickrell
- Granted
- December 15, 2009
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 7632440
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.