Nanodiamonds are particles of diamond that are said to be so small that you could fit a million on a pinhead. Their unique structures and properties are claimed to enhance thermal conductivity and improve wear resistance.
Blending nanodiamonds with metal coatings can offer improvements in components used in many existing industries and emerging industries.
The companies have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), which combines Greater Manchester-based BEP’s metal coatings expertise with Helsinki-based Carbodeon’s position in the manufacture of nanodiamond additives.
The agreement gives BEP the rights to develop and produce nanodiamond-infused copper, a composite coating with the potential to enhance thermal conductivity and wear resistance. This will enhance BEP’s production of copper chill rolls used by the paper and packaging manufacturers.
The MoU also gives BEP exclusive UK rights to process nanodiamond-infused electroless nickel, increasing wear and corrosion resistance. Carbodeon’s uDiamond electroless nickel composite coating improves the service life of components used in on-shore oil and gas production, polymer processing, board cutting, agriculture and textile manufacturing.
Both activities will be pursued with a view to supplying several of Carbodeon’s development programmes worldwide and enhancing BEP’s offer to customers.
BEP’s innovation arm, BEP Solutions, will carry out research and development activities. Established this year, BEP Solutions aims to forge new partnerships across government, industry, and academia to develop solutions for long-standing barriers in manufacturing and engineering.
Andrew McClusky, managing director of BEP Surface Technologies, said: "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 revolutionise a multitude of applications across multiple industries.”
Established in 2006, Carbodeon produces chemically-modified nanodiamonds for applications where the service life of the end product is of particular importance.
They also enhance a material's ability to dissipate heat, improving the efficiency of electronics manufacture.
Current industrial uses include metal plating, thermoset and thermoplastic-based polymer thermal compounds, chemical vapour deposition seeding, chemical mechanical polishing, sealings and other rubber products and 3D printing filaments.
Dr Vesa Myllymäki, CEO of Carbodeon, said: “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.”
