NanoKTN Announces Project Award Winners

The Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer Network (NanoKTN), announce that research projects at Aston University and the University of Dundee, have been awarded with collaborative studentships for 2010.
These studentships, allocated by UK Research Councils and linking academic research with industrial need, are supported by companies that offer funding to students, in addition to their already secured EPSRC funding. Companies hope they will encourage development into the UK’s strong technology market, while young researchers and scientists are given the opportunity to communicate their research to broader audiences.

Dr Haitao Ye, Aston University, will receive funding towards his project with Teer Coatings Ltd (TCL), set to look at the properties of high quality nanodiamond coatings.

The project will synthesise, engineer and functionalise nanodiamond coatings at temperatures of less than 400 degrees Celsius, for a wide range of high value engineering applications, including biomedical devices, MEMS and cutting tools. TCL currently provides commercial services to demanding customers in the F1 automotive and aerospace industry. The global market for PVD equipment, coatings and services was $9B in 2007 and is forecast to grow at a compound rate of 11%, with an anticipated size of $17B by 2013. Dr Haitao Ye hopes his project will ensure the UK is at the forefront of developments in this area.

Dr Gari Harris, University of Dundee, has been awarded with funding for his proposal to collaborate with Dundee-based battery supplier Axeon, to develop solid-state, long life, high capacity lithium-technology secondary cells for use in traction battery banks for hybrid and battery electric vehicles.

Both of the successful applicants will receive EPSRC funding of approximately £66,000 over the course of their projects. In addition to this, the students will receive hosting from sponsors at their research and production facilities. Both projects will also receive an additional cash top-up of at least £22,000.

For further information please visit www.nanoktn.com or email Natasha.taylor@nanoktn.com