Contract

Tech Licensing Opportunity: Synthesis of Tungsten Tetraboride (WB4) by Electric Field Assisted Sintering (EFAS)

Agency: ENERGY, DEPARTMENT OF / ENERGY, DEPARTMENT OF
Location: Idaho Falls, ID
Amount: Amount not listed
Deadline: Closes in 14 days (Aug 1, 2026)
Posted: Jun 17, 2026
Set-aside: None (open competition)
NAICS code: 333248

What this contract is for

Synthesis of Tungsten Tetraboride (WB4) by Electric Field Assisted Sintering (EFAS) A novel method for synthesizing tungsten tetraboride (WB4), a material with exceptional hardness and thermal properties, using Electric Field Assisted Sintering (EFAS). The Challenge: In the pursuit of materials with exceptional hardness and thermal conductivity, tungsten tetraboride (WB4) has been considered a compelling candidate since the 1960s. Renowned for its potential in enhancing cutting tools, armor, and nuclear reactors, WB4's synthesis has been limited by technological constraints, yielding products often inferior to their theoretical capabilities. Enter Electric Field Assisted Sintering (EFAS) – a modern technique set to revolutionize WB4 production by maintaining precise conditions necessary for optimal material characteristics. How it Works: Electric Field Assisted Sintering (EFAS) introduces a sophisticated approach to WB4 synthesis, surpassing traditional methods like arc melting which often resulted in impurities and unwanted phases such as WB2. Unlike previous techniques, EFAS employs controlled sintering temperatures and accurate atomic ratios without the need to melt the components, thereby preserving the desired WB4 phase and preventing degradation in material hardness. This process has been demonstrated to produce WB4 samples with hardness approaching theoritical maximum by controlling the granular composition and phase outcomes efficiently. Key Advantages: Enhanced Material Quality: By avoiding the melting process, EFAS ensures the production of WB4 with minimal impurities and maximum hardness. Scalability: The method is scalable, capable of producing larger batches and custom sizes (up to 12" discs), which was previously unachievable. Cost-Effectiveness: Utilizes...

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