Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (CU)_ An event for signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was held to spotlight a recent partnership between Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and a Malaysian company focusing in coating development, with the goal of promoting collaborative research and knowledge sharing in the field of nanotechnology.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation) represented the UTM during the ceremony and was witnessed by the Faculty of Science’s Deputy Dean (Academic & Student Affairs), while the company was represented by its Chief Operating Officer and Head of Business, and was witnessed by the company’s Chairman.
The MoU comprised academic collaboration and research development, academic staff and student exchanges between UTM and the firm, including joint seminars/conferences, and co-supervision of postgraduate students. Additionally, the two sides also agreed in the MoU to establish the Faculty of Science’s first satellite lab to enable the intensive research activity in bilateral fusion.
The coordinated effort aims to improve the technical capability and high quality process for the use of nanoparticles in paint and coating technologies. Being one of Malaysia’s premier research institutions, UTM has always been keen in discovering research collaborations and networking opportunities, especially in the areas of technology.
Additionally, UTM wishes to express its gratitude to Platinum Coatings (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. counterparts for making this collaboration possible. The partnership was launched by the UTM Faculty of Science Senior Lecturer as a consequence of a prior joint contract research award on the unique synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which will begin in May 2021.
The Global Nanocoatings Market is expected to expand at a 24.5 percent CAGR rate during the projected period of 2021-2028. Nanocoatings are substrates that have been coated with nanomaterials via a layer with a nanometer-thickness. These coatings offer weather resilience, preventing painted surfaces from deteriorating.
The researchers combined antiadhesive, anticorrosive, and antibacterial qualities in these novel coatings. Further, the expansion of nanotechnology has resulted in an increase in the global usage of nanocoatings. Additionally, the expanding emphasis on renewable energy sources contributes to the increased use of nanocoatings.