2-DTech has further underlined its proactive stance to seeking out new opportunities for graphene through development of a progressively closer relationship with The University of Manchester.
To this end the two parties have signed a memorandum of understanding that will see them sharing their respective resources and expertise, as well as the cross-pollination of ideas.
Once finalized this will result in 2-DTech becoming a partner of the University’s newly established National Graphene Institute (NGI) – a £61 million purpose-built research centre which is due to open in March 2015.
It is expected that this cooperation between academia and commercial enterprise will have far-reaching effects on the emerging graphene market. A series of collaborative projects will be embarked upon, with 2-DTech staff utilising the facilities offered by the NGI. Amongst the initial projects will be graphene/polymer nanocomposites and 2D inks.
“Graphene has some truly remarkable properties – structurally, electrically and optically. There are exciting possibilities opening up for it all the time. Through closer connection with The University of Manchester we will be much better able to promote more widespread use of this unique material across a broad spectrum of different commercial applications,” explains Nigel Salter, 2-DTech’s Managing Director. “The facilities that The University of Manchester has for graphene research are the envy of the rest of the world. By having access to them, 2-DTech will be able to make significant technological advances.”
“If the graphene industry is to mature, there needs to be support for continued in-depth research, combined with commercialisation of the intellectual property that is derived from this. The high value capital equipment that the university has invested in, combined with the cutting-edge technical knowledge and application experience offered by 2-DTech is certain to be of mutual benefit to both organisations, as well as the growing customer base for graphene products,” states James Baker, Business Director at the NGI. “We look forward to working with 2D-Tech on a number of graphene-related projects in the newly completed NGI facilities and in developing the relationship into a strategic partnership in the near future. We expect to see a number of interesting opportunities for graphene applications and products and this relationship will help in the acceleration of graphene commercialization.”
“This is a significant step forward for 2-DTech and its journey towards commercialisation and we are delighted to cement our relationship with The University of Manchester,” adds Neill Ricketts, CEO of Versarien plc, of which 2-DTech is a business division.
Filed Under: Materials • advanced
