ICSTI Statement on Nanotechnology - Forfás

An example of a company that has improved an existing product
through developing a proprietary nanocomposite is General
Motors, the world’s largest vehicle manufacturer (see Figure 5.2).
In 2002 GM introduced an advanced thermoplastic olefin
nanocomposite step on their mid size vans, to assist occupants in
stepping into and out of the vehicle. This was the first
automotive exterior application of this high performance and
affordable material which was developed in partnership with
Basell, the world’s largest producer of polypropylene resins for
plastics; and Southern Clay Products, Inc. of Gonzales, Texas,
which mines and processes the ultrapure “smectite” clay additive.
The parts are moulded by Blackhawk Automotive Plastics Inc. of
Mason Ohio. GM, Basell and Southern Clay have an agreement
that grants mutual confidentiality, which was hitherto
unprecedented in GM’s relationship with outside suppliers. Basell
has an exclusive license on GM’s proprietary process to
manufacture the material helping to safeguard their research
investment. On a volume basis, parts made of nanocomposites
cost about as much as parts made from conventional materials
because less material is needed to manufacture them and they are
stronger and lighter and less brittle in cold temperatures. An
added advantage is that no new tooling is necessary to mold the
nanocomposite parts. GM and Basell also expect the price to
improve as nanocomposites become more widely applied.
This opportunity is available to all small and large companies
and, in particular, is available to all indigenous companies in
Ireland. There is clearly a role for research and development
groups based in publicly funded professional research
organisations to support indigenous companies in this respect.
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