Calix investigates nano-active materials in collaboration with Australian Synchotron

Calix Limited accessed the Australian Synchrotron through the NISA scheme to investigate the properties of its nano-active powdered minerals – prepared through a patented process for a range of health, agricultural, energy and water management uses – to correlate changes in the nanoscale structure to observed improved product performance.

Analysis using the Small and Wide Angle X-Ray Scattering (SAXS/WAXS) beamline identified the unique structures of Calix’s minerals, at a characteristic length scale of about six nanometres, and showed that the structures’ total surface area, including pores and internal chambers, changed in a predictable and controllable manner during production.

The research confirmed Calix’ patented techniques provide consistent and reliable production control over the nano-structures and confirm a measurement technique that can be used to correlate the nanostructures in the particles to the observed bioactivity of Calix products, aiding the development of powdered products to limit the spread of pathogens across biologically-sensitive industries in a way that is safe to humans and animals.