NRC launches multi-partner nanocomposite initiative

The National Research Council’s Industrial Materials Institute (IMI) has launched Canada’s first multi-partner R&D program for nanocomposites. The initiative — dubbed PNC Tech — will see $300,000 annually invested in R&D for polymer nanocomposites, miniscule layers of plastic with tiny amounts of clay sandwiched between them. The combination results in a new so-called supermaterial with greater strength, higher resistance to permeability and superior heat stability. Potential applications for food packaging, automobile parts and medical devices are currently being pursued. An inaugural meeting was held at IMI in Longueuil PQ last month to define research projects and initiate R&D activities. The partners in PNC-Tech project are: General Motors of Canada, Dow Chemical Co, CLS3 Inc, Atlantic Composites Ltd, IPL, Crompton Corp, Decoma International Inc, Mark IV Automotive, Akzo Nobel, ShawCor Ltd, Sealed Air (Canada), SNC Tech and Institut de recherche d’Hydro-Québec….