UK nano production begins as QuinetiQ takes the plunge

:)l QINETIQ Nanomaterials has commissioned the UK's first n a n o p o w d e r production facility dedicated to v o l u m e production at its Farnborough site. The two production rigs are each capable of producing several kilos of material an hour. As shift pattern covering 24-hour production s expected to be established. Much of the production process and plant has been developed and built for QinetiQ by another UK company, Oxfordshire-based Tetronics. Tetronics is a world leader in plasma torch technology and played a pivotal role in defining and refining Lhe nanometdc production process. QinetiQ uses their equipment under exclusive licence and their technicians played a key role during commissioning° A variety of oxides and metal powders can be produced, each with "engineered" characteristics. Their commercial value ranges from tens of pounds sterling per kilo to thousands of pounds. The manufacturing rigs are located in a facility that previously housed a now-redundant wind tunnel on QinetiQ's secure Farnborough site. The building also provides sufficient office space and ample room for productibn expansion and storage. "The nano technology revolution will increasingly impact all our lives as its true potential is realised," said Mike Pitkethly, Commercial Director of QinetiQ Nanomatefials. 'Our production plant is now up and r u n n i n g - so it's full

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steam ahead. Our objective is to produce commercial quantities of a variety of materials. These will be made available to potential customers for evaluation in their own production processes and in quantities that enable them to undertake realistic demonsLration trials. 'We can also manufacture customised nanopowders and help develop the end product by using QinetiQ's extensive capabilities." The long-term business model, however, is not limited [o manufacture and supply from the Farnborough plant alone. Instead, where significant volumes of materials are required - once the viability and perforFnance of the powders has been proved - the plan is to replicate and build production facilities in con-

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junction with customers and in close proximity to their manufacturing plant, wherever that may be. QinetiQ Nanomaterials is a pioneer of the plasma vapourisation process. Feedstock material is fed into a high-temperature plasma, typically between 4ooo°C and 9ooo°C which acts as a clean heat source. The Feedstock vapourises on contact with the plasma and is carried from the hot zone in a stream of inert gas, usually argon. The vapour is rapidly quenched and the material condenses and rapidly solidifies to form nanometre-sized powder particles that are trapped in the collection system. The argon is currently allowed to escaoe to the atmosphere, but collection and reuse is being looked at.

QinetiQ is currently evaluating around 2 5 nanomateri~l projects and intellectual proDerty is being developed 'n a number of areas ranging From portable p o w e r sources through to explosives that are safer and easier to handle. Managing Director Paul Reip said: "Already one of the largest nanometric materials and nanotechnology group in Europe, we will continue to grow as this technology increases its impact in all areas. "The strategic alliances and commercial agreements we are currently negotiating with global organisations mean we will remain at the forefront of both commercial d e p l o y m e n t and technological development." As part of its plans to be seen as a serious global player - especially in the important Japanese nanomarket QinetiQ Nanomaterials has opened a representative office in the heart of Tokyo's business centre. It is seen as crucial to maintaining o c a l contacts and developing strong relationshi ps in this g r o w i n g market.

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