Starfire Systems®, a producer of Polymer Derived Ceramic (PDC) technology, announced the award of U.S. Patent No. 11,873,314 B2 for its ultra-high-temperature ceramic forming precursor, SHP-199.
The newly patented Hafnium Carbide (HfC) precursor, SHP-199, marks a significant expansion of Starfire’s portfolio of silicon carbide (SiC) forming pre-ceramic polymers, according to a company press release. Leveraging the same proprietary chemical process that led to its flagship product SMP-10, Starfire has developed SHP-199 to meet the growing demand for materials capable of withstanding extreme temperatures in cutting-edge applications.
SHP-199 is specifically engineered to transform into thermally stable crystalline hafnium carbide at temperatures up to 1600°C. The precursor cures efficiently at or below 200°C, delivering a high ceramic yield while providing superior thermal stability. The company release states that this makes SHP-199 an ideal candidate for ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) used in hypersonic vehicle components, re-entry systems, and other ultra-high-temperature environments.
“Our new HfC precursor enhances the performance and temperature range of advanced ceramic materials,” said David Devor, CEO of Starfire Systems about the newly patented precurser. “We remain committed to advancing PDC technology and providing our clients with innovative solutions that meet evolving industry needs.”
Key Features and Benefits of Newly Patented SHP-199
- High Thermal Stability: Converts to crystalline hafnium carbide at temperatures up to 1600°C in an inert environment.
- Efficient Curing Process: Cures at or below 200°C, allowing for streamlined processing.
- High Ceramic Yield: Offers exceptional material efficiency for high-performance applications.
- Application Versatility: Ideal for aerospace, defense, and industrial use, particularly in environments requiring durable, lightweight materials that can endure extreme heat.
Innovation in Polymer Derived Ceramics
Starfire’s ongoing innovation in PDC technology has cemented its position as a trusted provider of advanced ceramic materials. In addition to its SiC-forming polymers, Starfire has developed a broad range of specialty silane compounds used as chemical vapor deposition (CVD) precursors in semiconductor dielectric coatings, matrix densification, and pharmaceutical synthesis.
About Starfire Systems, Inc.
Based in Glenville, NY, Starfire Systems, Inc. is a specialty materials company focused on the development of Polymer Derived Ceramics and its proprietary Polymer-to-Ceramic™ technology. The company’s core business involves the synthesis of silicon-based pre-ceramic polymers and sol-gel-derived oxide materials for the fabrication of polymer matrix composites and SiC-based ceramic matrix composites. Starfire’s materials are used in applications requiring lightweight, high-temperature components with complex geometries, including aerospace, defense, and semiconductor industries.
