Jul 29 2008
The Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer Network (NanoKTN), the UK’s primary knowledge-based network for Micro and Nanotechnologies, has launched the HiPerNano Sector Focus Group. This new venture will raise awareness and promote developments in nanomaterials for the high performance engineering industry. Members of the HiPerNano group have the opportunity to discuss materials challenges and developments with end-users and industry professionals.
Nanomaterials are beginning to have a major commercial impact and the NanoKTN is building a UK community where aerospace, defence, security, power generation and automotive industries can discuss the benefits of nanomaterials for components which are subjected to extreme environments such as high temperature, friction, corrosion, erosion and ballistic impact.
At the recent launch of the HiPerNano group, an audience of over 130 engineers, scientists and intermediaries met to hear how the new generation of high performance nano-enhanced materials, can solve problems caused by extreme environments. Dr Martin Kemp, Theme Manager at NanoKTN, explains how HiPerNano is vital for the dissemination of information: “Our aim is to enable the high performance engineering industry to realise the commercial potential and advantages of introducing nanomaterials that were, until just a few years ago, laboratory curiosities.”
He continued: “To get nanomaterials into the market place we need to create new kinds of supply chains and these have to be generated by market pull, hence the decision to create the HiPerNano Sector Focus Group whereby end-users can pose their commercial challenges and hear the latest success stories from their peers.”
The industry-driven steering group of HiPerNano had their inaugural meeting last month, hosted by Airbus UK in Filton. Ambitious targets were set for developing a strategy and action plan and the key objective was identified as stimulating the supply chain in the UK. The steering group initiated a survey to identify the hotspots of materials challenges which could be addressed by nanoenhanced materials. This reflects the unique approach of HiPerNano; market led initiatives which address real world problems.
Since nano-enhancement could be realised at any point of the supply chain, all sectors of the supply chain are encouraged to join up, from raw materials suppliers, materials converters, component manufacturers, OEMs and end users. Membership to the NanoKTN and for HiPerNano is free of charge. For more information about how to join, please visit the website. Established by the Technology Strategy Board, the NanoKTN is managed by Centre for Process Innovation Ltd, a leading technology development and consulting company.
Established by the Technology Strategy Board, the NanoKTN is managed by Centre for Process Innovation Ltd, a leading technology development and consulting company.