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[May 2005]
UK SME Partners Sought for Framework VI Project on Additives
CERAM is seeking UK SMEs for a proposed project in additives for ceramics. The project aims to collate and measure additive data that assists companies to identify suitable additives / additive dosages without excessive trial and error work. The focus will be on additives at the shaping stage and cover all sectors of the ceramics industry.
CERAM, with assistance from Alma Consulting in France are currently drafting this proposal under the most recent framework VI European funding call (COLLECTIVE scheme). Like CRAFT, the COLLECTIVE scheme is for SME companies. However, COLLECTIVE projects tend to be larger and of interest to the SME community in general.
The project work packages will be:
1) Collect data on existing organic additives used largely at the shaping process stage
2) Carry out measurements on (a) suspension rheology prior to shaping and (b) green and fired shapes (to fill in any gaps in the data supplied in task 1)
3) Develop standard rheology test protocols according to the way the suspension is to be processed (casting, spray drying, plastic deformation etc.)
4) Create a data base of additive information from tasks 1-3 in which users are guided to relevant information
5) Further expand the database to include information on emerging ceramic process routes and the additives likely to be employed.
6) Assist each SME ceramic producer partner in solving an existing additive issue.It is proposed that the database (owned by the SME partners) will become something that can be developed further after the project based on a subscription charge to users.
No cash input will be required, only Contribution in Kind and a commitment to attend status meetings around Europe (travel costs should be refunded to you).
Last date for confirmation and completion of short questionnaire is 23rd May. If successful there will be a meeting in summer to define the stage 2 proposal - only at that stage will companies need to make a firm commitment to join the project.
Contact: Phil Jackson, Head of Applications Group, CERAM Process & Materials Division
Direct Tel: 01782-764253 E-mail: phil.jackson@ceram.com
ENDS