Business
Collaborative R&D project
Collaborative R&D project.
About this update from Surface Transforms Plc
[{"type":"text","content":"\n RNS Number : 6207A Surface Transforms PLC 13 October 2009 \n \nSurface Transforms Plc\n\n(\"Surface Transforms\" or \"the Company\")\n\nThe commencement of £2.1 million Collaborative R&D Project\npart funded by grants from the UK Technology Strategy Board (\"TSB\")\n\nSurface Transforms is pleased to announce the start of a three year, £2.1 million collaborative research and development project. The Technology Strategy Board has agreed to fund the project with a grant of £1.12 million to a consortium of companies led by Surface Transforms.\n\nThe aim of this R&D project, with the acronym \"Sμrface\", is to develop an innovative ceramic disk, using both waste carbon and contemporary manufacturing processes. The objectives are improved friction characteristics and substantially reduced wear with the development of a method that will allow worn ceramic disks to be resurfaced for re-use. \n\nSuccess in the Sμrface project will enable a much greater flexibility and tolerance in the structure of the core material used in the disc, which will impact directly on reducing cost and increasing performance. \n\nThe Company's partners in this collaborative project are:-\n\n * Faiveley Transport Ltd (manufacturer of train braking systems)\n \n * Alcon Components Ltd (brake systems for high performance cars)\n \n * Bentley Motors Ltd (OEM high performance car manufacturer)\n \n * Federal-Mogul Friction Products Ltd (brake pads)\n \n * Loughborough University (specifications, analysis, testing)\n \nSurface Transforms is the lead company and project co-ordinator and will be supplying the proprietary technology relating to the manufacture of carbon ceramic brake discs. The other industrial partners are all technology leaders in their respective fields of innovative friction material technology for use in the transport market. \n\nThe project commenced on 1st September 2009 with the contribution from the Technology Strategy Board grant to Surface Transforms estimated at £470,000 over the next three years. \n\nKevin D'Silva, Surface Transform's Chairman, commented: \n\nKevin D'Silva, Surface Transform's Chairman,...