Harper Government Announces Support for U of S Nanoscience Research: Uses for New Nanostructured Coatings Range from Biomedical to Oil Sand Sectors

University of Saskatchewan (U of S) researchers will develop and test nanostructured coatings to increase the durability of hard-to-reach industrial and medical components with the help from a federal investment of announced today by Brad Trost, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon-Humboldt, on behalf of the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification.

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2014-03-30

The $183,946 investment from Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) will help Canada Research Chair in Nanoengineering Coating Technologies and Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Qiaoqin Yang, and her team purchase specially-made equipment that will apply the coatings to the surfaces of the components for testing and demonstration. Four industry-specific coating prototypes will be tested, for projects such as solar energy systems, artificial joints, and mining and oil sands equipment. The coatings will be comprised of new, extremely durable advanced materials.

The new coating application equipment and process will also be tested as a prototype for commercialization. If successful, its use will boost the university's capacity for future nanomaterials research.

Quick Facts

Nanotechnology refers to the manipulation of atoms and molecules to create new materials or build small-scale technology. It crosses all disciplines and almost all technologies and materials can be explored at the nano level.

Using components with nanostructured coatings will increase durability and result in cost-savings to industry.

Approximately 25 student researchers will assist in the development and testing work, resulting in a cadre of highly qualified personnel in the nanocoating field.

Quotes

"Our Government understands that nanoscience is a major driver of future innovation and economic growth. The investment strengthens the University of Saskatchewan's capacity to further develop new nanomaterials for commercialization while increasing the number of highly qualified personnel in this field."

Brad Trost, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon-Humboldt

"With WD's support and the collaboration of many industrial partners and top researchers around the world, Dr. Yang's team will design superhard coatings for the surfaces of moving parts-from longer-wearing artificial joints to corrosion-resistant mining equipment. The investment in this exciting, cutting-edge nanocoating research will help bring this promising new technology to physicians and industries across Canada and around the world."

Source: Nanotechnology Now

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