The V.M. Bakul Institute of Superhard Materials of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine was founded in 1961.
The INM employs over 300 employees, including two academicians of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and four corresponding members of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 23 doctors of sciences and 87 candidates of sciences. The Institute has 12 scientific departments.
Activities of the Institute
The institute develops technologies for obtaining synthetic diamonds, cubic boron nitride, high-density technical ceramics, hard alloys, superconducting ceramics and other superhard materials, as well as creates technologies for manufacturing structural materials and products from them.
By annually fulfilling 150-200 contracts with customers from different countries of the world in interaction and information exchange with leading European and world partners, the institute ensures continuous progress in various industries.
The intellectual property of the institute is protected by more than 3100 patents valid in many countries.
Fundamental research:
- physicochemical processes of creation, growth of mono- and polycrystalline, dispersed and film diamond and diamond-like materials in a wide range of temperatures and pressures;
- development of methods of spontaneous and directed controlled synthesis of superhard materials and development of methods of static, explosive and epitaxial synthesis;
- study of physicomechanical properties of superhard materials.
Research techniques and methods
spectrometry, optical and electron microscopy, radiography;
nanoindentation, mechanical testing;
high-pressure (2-10 GPa) and temperature (1200-2200 K) devices;
comprehensive certification of powders, crystals.
Technologies
high-temperature sintering and impregnation;
formation of layered, film, gradient structures;
growing large single crystals of diamonds.
Priority developments:
- large single crystals of synthetic diamonds;
- elite grinding powders and micropowders of synthetic diamonds and cubic boron nitride;
- polycrystalline and composite superhard materials based on diamonds and cubic boron nitride;
- diamond and carbide tools for high-performance metalworking, drilling, stone processing, coal mining and geological exploration;
- ceramic products; polishing pastes for high-precision optics;
- super-precision diamond micro-turning and polishing machines;
- technologies for precision processing of metals, glass, ceramics, etc.
