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Cidetec Technological Centre continues to invest in
nanotechnology development with its participation in
the European NAPA (Emerging Nanopatterning Methods)
project. The research institution is directing a working
subgroup to develop new thermoplastic polymers for applications
in nanopatterning and nanolithography.
The
main objective of the European NAPA integrated project
is to provide low-cost processes and tools that meet
the needs of nanoprinting processes and required for
the development of devices to be employed in various
applications in nanoelectronics, nanobiotechnology,
nanophotonics, etc. In order to achieve this, the
project was split into three main lines of research:
nanoimprint lithography, MEMS-based nanopatterning
and soft lithography). In each of these, the research
was organised with three different focuses: materials,
tools and simulation. The project was sub-divided
into 6 subprojects, each involving a number of working
groups whose remit had been clearly laid down. CIDETEC
is leading one of these working groups, the main function
of which is the development of new thermoplastic polymers
with properties for applications in nanopatterning
lithography.
To
this end, by means of living radical polymerisation
(LRP), a number of low polydispersion polymethacrylates
and copolymers and other polymeric materials designed
for this application have been randomly synthesised.
The
NAPA consortium has brought together almost all the
research groups in Europe working in the emerging
field of nanopatterning. The project, co-ordinated
by VTT (the Technical Research Centre of Finland),
is made up of 35 associated members belonging to small-
and medium-sized businesses, various European research
universities and laboratories such as CEA from France,
IBM from, Micro Resist Technology GmbH from Germany,
etc. Together these have drawn together a wide range
of know-how about nanomanufacturing and developed
a highly important research effort involving some
3,500 scientists.
Another
interesting part of this project is its educational
aspect, with positive socioeconomic benefits, forecasting
an increase in employment at a European level. The
consortium is organising training courses and seminars
for new scientists, with the aim of boosting academic
and practical training in areas related to research
into nanotechnologies.
For
further information, please contact:
Irati Kortabitarte
Elhuyar Fundazioa
iratik@elhuyar.com
(+34) 943363040
Reference URL
www.basqueresearch.com
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