Electroplating specialist and nanodiamond manufacturer have announced a strategic relationship aimed at developing a groundbreaking composite copper coating infused with nanodiamonds.
Nanodiamonds, microscopic particles of diamond, possess unique structures and properties that significantly enhance thermal conductivity and improve wear resistance. Combining nanodiamonds with metal coatings can lead to transformative improvements in components across various industries.
The companies have formalised their collaboration through a memorandum of understanding (MOU), integrating the metal coatings expertise of a Greater Manchester-based firm with the Helsinki-based leader in nanodiamond additives.
This agreement grants exclusive rights to develop and produce nanodiamond-infused copper, a revolutionary composite coating with the potential to drastically enhance thermal conductivity and wear resistance. This will benefit the production of copper chill rolls utilised by leading paper and packaging manufacturers worldwide. Additionally, the agreement includes exclusive UK rights to process nanodiamond-infused electroless nickel, significantly increasing wear and corrosion resistance.
The electroless nickel composite coating enhances the service life of components used in industries such as on-shore oil and gas production, polymer processing, board cutting, agriculture, and textile manufacturing.
Both companies will work towards supplying several well-established global development programmes and enhancing their offerings to customers. The innovation arm of the metal coating specialist will conduct research and development activities to drive this initiative forward. Established recently, this division aims to establish strategic partnerships across government, industry, and academia to address long-standing challenges in manufacturing and engineering.
The managing director of the metal coating specialist expressed delight at the collaboration, emphasising the potential of this novel composite surface material to revolutionise applications across multiple industries. He highlighted the commitment to leveraging extensive engineering experience, advanced digital techniques, and a research-focused approach to overcome metal surface engineering challenges.
Founded in 2006, the nanodiamond manufacturer produces chemically modified nanodiamonds for applications where the service life of the end product is crucial. These nanodiamonds also enhance a material’s heat dissipation capabilities, improving the efficiency of electronics manufacture. Current industrial applications include metal plating, thermoset and thermoplastic-based polymer thermal compounds, chemical vapour deposition seeding, chemical mechanical polishing, sealing and rubber products, and 3D printing filaments.
The CEO of the nanodiamond manufacturer expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, praising the metal coating specialist’s global reputation and willingness to innovate. He expressed confidence in the creation of a unique product with transformative capabilities.
The collaboration between these two industry leaders marks a significant step towards the development of advanced composite materials with potentially transformative applications across various sectors.