Cheshire-based carbon ceramic technology specialist Surface Transforms PLC (AIM: SCE) announced the commencement of its three year £2.1 million collaborative research and development project to develop a new ceramic disk using waste carbon and contemporary manufacturing processes, with £1.12 million already secured in grants from the UK Technology Strategy Board.
The project’s objective is to develop an innovative ceramic disk to improve friction characteristics and reduce wear with the development of a method that will allow worn ceramic disks to be resurfaced for re-use, which is expected to reduce costs and increase performance.
Other participants in the project, which will be co-ordinated by Surface, include train braking systems manufacturer Faiveley Transport, manufacturer of brake systems for high performance cars Alcon Components, carmaker Bentley Motors, brake pads maker Federal-Mogul Friction Products and Loughborough University.
Shares in Surface Transforms rose 5.7% to 9.25 pence on the news today.