CACT at a Glance

Mission

First designated in 1987, and renewed for another 10 years in 2018, the Center for Advanced Ceramic Technology (CACT) is one of 15 Centers for Advanced Technology (CAT) located across New York State, created to speed technology transfer from universities to the marketplace. The CACT at Alfred University specializes in applied and technical research that solves real-world problems to provide practicable, scalable solutions in support of commercializing cutting edge products and solutions.

At Alfred University’s CACT, industrial partners gain access to the resources and expertise needed to advance research and boost their bottom line. As the only institution in the country to offer a glass science PhD program, and one of only two institutions dedicated to ceramic engineering, the CACT links firms to a unique skill set to solve challenges addressing a wide range of analytical needs and technical research areas, including:

• Materials: Bioceramics; Carbon-based composites; Electronic ceramics; Glass; Metal-Ceramic composites; Optical Materials; Polymers; Structural ceramics; Whitewares; Fuel cell materials; Energy storage materials.
• Modeling: Microstructure; Atomistic structure of glass/ceramics; Defect behavior; Transport behavior; Multiscale modeling; Multiphysics modeling.
• Processing: Ceramic powders; Engineered nanoparticles; Specialty glass processing; Nanoscale fabrication; Thin/Thick film coatings; Tape casting; Hot/cold isostatic pressing; Specialized sintering capabilities; Sol-gel processing (glasses, powders, films); Traditional ceramic processing.
• Properties/Characterization: Electrical properties; Structural analysis; Mechanical behavior and fracture; Optical properties; Biocompatibility; Surface behavior and catalysis; Thermal properties; Spectroscopy.

CACT Leadership

CACT also provides support for programming with New York State-based companies – large and small – with matching funds provided through our annual operating contract with New York State’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR). Whether it’s a short-term analytical testing project, or a long-term research & development program, CACT can lower your development costs and help ensure faster time to market for your technical ceramics and glass technology. Cost share typically represents 20% of a programs’ cost, helping reduce out-of-pocket expenses and expand on research outcomes.

CACT also collaborates with Alfred University’s recently completed $4 million Center for High Temperature Characterization, and is supporting the development of a new $7.75 million Ceramic Research, Education and Technology Enterprise (CREATE). This new effort is focused on supporting industry’s needs to fully develop and commercialize additive manufacturing/printed ceramics, as well as solutions for ceramic machining and surface finishing and polishing.