The Alliance
The goal of NanoCentral is to accelerate the commercialisation of products incorporating nanomaterials for the benefit of industry through “open access” facilities and capabilities from a Network of Providers. Their technology platforms reflect the nanomaterials supply chain: Nanomaterial Synthesis, Dispersion Functionalisation and Formulation, and Applications Development, underpinned by Characterisation and SHE capability.
At the launch of NanoCentral the group of Providers comprises the following
Nanomaterial Synthesis
- Johnson Matthey offering Flame Pyrolysis for producing relatively low cost nano-particulate metals and metal oxides, for example fumed silica and ultra fine titanium dioxide. Market investigations indicate promising applications of this technology to markets including Cosmetics, Coatings and Inks and Plastics.
- Intrinsiq Materials Ltd (previously QinetiQ Nanomaterials Ltd) offering Plasma Processing presently used for custom manufacture of nano-particulate metals, metal oxides, metal nitrides and doped materials relevant to markets including Defence, Pharmaceuticals, Electronics and Catalysis.
Dispersion, Functionalisation and Formulation:
- The University of Liverpool providing High Pressure-High Shear Processing for micro-mixing nano-dispersed liquids and nano-particulate containing slurries, an emerging technology which will find extensive application particularly in the market sectors of Personal Care and Food.
Characterisation
- Intertek Measurement Science Group gives access to an array of world class analytical techniques, including electron microscopy, shear rheology, particle size measurement, molecular spectroscopy, surface characterisation and novel injection moulding.
SHE
- We have formed a partnership with the SAFEnano initiative at the Institute of Occupational Medicine to incorporate health, safety and environmental expertise and provide the information needed to reassure the public and industry and generate confidence in nanomaterial products and processes.
The Network will be available to organisations carrying out pre-competitive research and development on an open access basis by paying an agreed tariff: The NanoCentral Hub does not charge for its services. Users will therefore benefit from being able to access leading edge facilities without significant capital investment and consequential risk, thereby delivering a significant boost to the UK’s nano-technology thrust.