BEP Surface Technologies, a leading electroplating specialist, and Carbodeon, a renowned nanodiamond manufacturer, have announced a strategic partnership to create a pioneering copper-nanodiamond composite coating, marking a significant innovation in materials science.
Nanodiamonds, which are microscopic particles of diamond, possess exceptional properties that enhance thermal conductivity and wear resistance. By integrating these nanodiamonds into metal coatings, the two companies aim to deliver transformative improvements for a range of industrial applications.
The collaboration, formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MOU), combines BEP’s expertise in metal coatings with Carbodeon’s advanced nanodiamond technology. Under this agreement, BEP will develop and produce a novel copper coating infused with nanodiamonds. This advanced composite coating promises to significantly boost thermal conductivity and wear resistance, benefiting BEP’s production of copper chill rolls used in the global paper and packaging industries.
Additionally, the MOU grants BEP exclusive rights in the UK to process nanodiamond-infused electroless nickel, a coating that enhances wear and corrosion resistance. Carbodeon’s uDiamond electroless nickel composite is expected to extend the service life of components in various sectors, including oil and gas production, polymer processing, board cutting, agriculture, and textiles.
BEP’s innovation division, BEP Solutions, will lead the research and development efforts. Established this year, BEP Solutions aims to foster collaborations with government, industry, and academic partners to address longstanding challenges in manufacturing and engineering.
Andrew McClusky, Managing Director of BEP Surface Technologies, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are thrilled to collaborate with Carbodeon to develop this novel composite surface material. This partnership underscores BEP’s commitment to leveraging our extensive engineering expertise and advanced digital techniques to address complex metal surface engineering challenges.”
Carbodeon, founded in 2006, specializes in chemically-modified nanodiamonds that enhance the durability and efficiency of a variety of products. These nanodiamonds are used in diverse applications, including metal plating, thermal compounds, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) seeding, chemical mechanical polishing (CMP), and 3D printing filaments.
Dr. Vesa Myllymäki, CEO of Carbodeon, highlighted the significance of the collaboration: “Diamonds significantly improve durability and tribology in metal-plated finishes. We are excited to work with BEP, a global leader in metal plating, to advance the use of nanodiamonds in copper and electroless nickel coatings. We believe this partnership will lead to groundbreaking developments with far-reaching impact.”
This strategic alliance marks a significant step in enhancing material performance and setting new standards in metal coating technology.