| Intertek
ASG laboratory is the industrial partner in a joint
research project with several of Europe's top academic
nanotechnology research groups. The partnership has
received approval for 2.3 million euros in funding from
the EU Sixth Framework Programme, with Intertek ASG
allocated 100,000 euros as part of the collaboration.
Other partners include the University of Edinburgh (UK)
and the Institute for Molecular Sciences in Amsterdam
(NL).
The
partnership represents not only several leading nanotech
research groups, but provides a strong analytical
network, useful for technology transfer from academia
to industry. The nanoscience research project will
begin in April, 2005. Interek ASG operates a laboratory
offering nanoscale analytical testing.
The
research project will focus on developing functional
devices from molecular machinery, and is considered
on the frontier of nanotechnology science. The aim
of the project is to develop molecular motors which
utilise thermal energy to drive machinery. These molecular
motors would then be incorporated into functional
devices.
Intertek
ASG Nanoscience Research Project Focus:
As
the industrial partner for this nanotechnology research
collaboration, Intertek ASG will conduct analysis
of materials, including chemical characterisation,
properties investigation and materials testing. Detailed
analysis on the functional properties of the molecular
systems will be investigated. The required material
analysis will be an investigation of the molecular
dynamics, both thermodynamic and kinetic properties.
Testing
and analysis of functional devices will also be crucial
to the eventual standardisation of device analysis,
and may be important for future regulatory requirements
for commercial, nanotechnology-based products.
The ASG project team will concentrate on the analysis
of these devices and assist the other members in high-throughput,
fast turnaround analysis.
Analytical
Techniques to be used include NMR, FTIR, SEM, TEM,
SPM, Raman, electrochemistry, DSC, and other approaches.
The research project will allow Intertek ASG the opportunity
to develop new analytical techniques benefiting the
emerging nanotechnology industry.
The
Intertek ASG Measurement and Control group will use
their expertise in device fabrication, electrical
and materials engineering to design and construct
devices to enable analysis, evaluation and demonstration
of working nanotechnology projects. The project allows
ASG to incorporate analytical experience and new techniques
from leading-edge academia into services provided
for current and future analysis.
The
EU Sixth Framework Programme (FP6) is part of the
European Commission.
Source
: http://www.intertek-cb.com
|
