Development of environmentally friendly metal finishing process

The University of Leicester is playing a key part in a network of 33 companies and universities, set up to develop pioneering new processes for metal coatings which will offer benefits to a wide range of industries, including automotive and aerospace component manufacturers.

The network uses ionic liquid technology developed at the University of Leicester, exploited through its spin-out company, Scionix Ltd.

Companies and academics from 11 European countries have been brought together through a 7M Euro Integrated Projected Grant from the EU.

New metal coatings with improved wear and corrosion resistance will be developed during the four-year project, using technology that has significant economic and environmental benefits.

Scionix Ltd has recently been awarded the prestigious Green Chemistry Award from Crystal Faraday.

Dr Andy Abbott, of the University of Leicester Department of Chemistry commented: “This is an excellent opportunity to commercialise this area of research. Our project provides a unique forum for experts from across Europe to work together to develop new materials and more efficient coating processes.”