BEP Surface Technologies, a leading name in metal coatings based in Greater Manchester, and Carbodeon, a world-renowned nanodiamond manufacturer from Helsinki, have announced a groundbreaking strategic partnership. This collaboration aims to develop a revolutionary copper-nanodiamond composite coating, marking a significant milestone in the field of material science.
The Power of Nanodiamonds
Nanodiamonds are incredibly tiny particles of diamond, with sizes so minute that you could fit a million of them on the head of a pin. Despite their small size, these particles possess extraordinary properties. Their unique structure drastically enhances thermal conductivity and improves wear resistance, making them ideal for advancing various technologies.
By integrating nanodiamonds with metal coatings, BEP and Carbodeon are poised to bring transformative changes to several industries. This innovative blend promises to elevate the performance of components used across numerous sectors, from traditional manufacturing to cutting-edge applications.
Strategic Partnership and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
The newly signed MOU between BEP Surface Technologies and Carbodeon combines BEP’s extensive expertise in metal coatings with Carbodeon’s leading position in nanodiamond additives. This agreement grants BEP the exclusive rights to develop and produce a nanodiamond-infused copper composite coating. This pioneering technology is expected to significantly boost thermal conductivity and wear resistance, offering notable advantages in the production of copper chill rolls—a key component used by major paper and packaging manufacturers worldwide.
Additionally, the MOU provides BEP with exclusive UK rights to process nanodiamond-infused electroless nickel. This enhancement will improve wear and corrosion resistance, extending the service life of components in industries such as on-shore oil and gas production, polymer processing, board cutting, agriculture, and textile manufacturing. Carbodeon’s uDiamond® electroless nickel composite coating is set to redefine standards in these fields.
Innovation and Future Prospects
The collaboration will see BEP’s innovation arm, BEP Solutions, spearheading research and development efforts. Established this year, BEP Solutions is dedicated to overcoming long-standing challenges in manufacturing and engineering through strategic partnerships across government, industry, and academia.
Andrew McClusky, Managing Director of BEP Surface Technologies, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership: “I am delighted that Carbodeon has agreed to work with us to develop methods to create a novel composite surface material which we believe is a world first and has the potential to revolutionize a multitude of applications across multiple industries. This new relationship underscores BEP’s commitment to leveraging our extensive engineering expertise and innovative mindset to address metal surface engineering challenges.”
Carbodeon’s Expertise
Founded in 2006, Carbodeon specializes in producing chemically-modified nanodiamonds that enhance the longevity and efficiency of various applications. Their products are pivotal in sectors such as metal plating, polymer thermal compounds, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) seeding, chemical mechanical polishing (CMP), and 3D printing. Carbodeon’s patented technologies and applications underscore their position at the forefront of nanodiamond innovation.
Dr. Vesa Myllymäki, CEO of Carbodeon, highlighted the significance of the partnership: “Diamonds dramatically enhance durability and tribology in a range of metal-plated finishes. I am delighted to find a partner with such a global reputation for expertise in metal plating who is willing to drive innovation in using nanodiamonds to enhance copper and electroless nickel. We are confident we are on the cusp of creating something unique with transformative capabilities.”
Looking Ahead
The collaboration between BEP Surface Technologies and Carbodeon represents a major leap forward in material science. By harnessing the exceptional properties of nanodiamonds, this partnership aims to deliver unprecedented performance enhancements across multiple industries, setting new standards for thermal conductivity and wear resistance. As BEP and Carbodeon embark on this exciting journey, the future promises groundbreaking advancements and transformative solutions in metal surface engineering.
Comments