The Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer Network (NanoKTN) has announced that the next Hipernano conference is set to take place at Cranfield University on 28 April 2010.
The Hipernano conference, which is held in partnership with Cranfield University, is dedicated to raising awareness and promoting developments in nano-materials for the high-performance engineering industry.
The conference, exhibition and poster presentations will showcase scientific and commercial developments alongside far-sighting by industry professionals on challenges yet to be addressed.
The 'wonder' materials promised by nanotechnology are beginning to appear in the commercial world, and are solving real-world problems in the transport and performance engineering sectors.
The higher-visibility consumer products such as polishes, glass treatments and colour changing paints are only the beginning.
Nanofilled polymers and resins, and nanostructured ceramics and coatings, offer higher performance and/or additional functionality such as wear and erosion resistance, lighting-weighting, reduced friction, toughening, UV resistance, corrosion control and aesthetic enhancement.
A key area is the hidden but important drive to find high-performance, but environmentally friendly, alternatives to toxic materials.
Ian Minards, director of product development at Aston Martin, will be giving an overview of the environmental, legislative and market pressures in the high luxury automotive sector and will discuss how Aston Martin is looking to meet these challenges.
Topics will include mass reduction, aerodynamic efficiency and friction reduction.
Dr Al Lambourne, strategic materials at Rolls-Royce, will review the enabling role of nanotechnology in the aerospace sector and Rolls-Royce's policy to support early stage nanotechnology research.
His presentation will include electronic materials, bulk structural materials and coatings, all aimed at enhancing future engine performance.
Dr Graham Sims, head of materials and engineering at the National Physical Laboratory, will focus on an exercise supported by the Hipernano focus group to review the needs and feasibility of developing an engineering data handbook for nanocomposite properties.
Using electrical properties of carbon-nanotube-filled polymers as a case study, Sims will discuss the influences of processing, CNT type and length and issues related to improving the availability and validity of published data.
Additional speakers will cover a range of material and processing issues, and include Johnson Matthey, Polyfect Solutions, Exilica, Promethean Particles, Keronite Group, Indestructible Paints, BHR Group and Netcomposites UK.
