IINM celebrates 10th anniversary with groundbreaking achievements

Warwick, England – The International Institute for Nanocomposites Manufacturing (IINM), based in WMG at the University of Warwick, celebrated its 10th anniversary in November 2024. This milestone marked a decade of groundbreaking research and innovation in polymer processing and nanocomposite manufacturing. Engelmann & Buckham (E&B), a leading provider of laboratory equipment, has been a key partner to the IINM since 2019, contributing significantly to its rise as a global leader in polymer testing research.

Established in 2014, the IINM explores polymer processing techniques to facilitate the scale-up and commercialization of polymer nanocomposites. These materials are pivotal in enabling industries to innovate their manufacturing technologies, addressing applications across telecommunications, electronics, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, automotive, security, and medicine. The IINM hosts the Nanocomposites Research Group, which employs a comprehensive approach to manufacturing nanocomposites. The Institute boasts advanced facilities, including Characterization Laboratories, Wet Chemistry Laboratory, Processing Hall, and Research Spaces and Offices. A dedicated team of 40 academics and researchers collaborate with industry partners, both nationally and internationally, on research projects that have broad industrial applications.

E&B has supplied MonTech equipment and other laboratory tools that are pivotal to IINM’s operations and future planning. They have formed a strong relationship with the university. “The consultative approach offered by E&B has allowed us to identify the most appropriate machine or instrument for the task at hand. This model is most useful as in many instances we require a broad specification, so instrument quality and versatility are key considerations. E&B and their partners have provided a capability that has helped the IINM achieve many of its goals over the last decade,” said Tony McNally, Chair and Professor, University of Warwick.

Equipment supplied includes the MonTech D-RPA 3000 Dynamic Rubber Process Analyzer, which offers unmatched precision in static and dynamic rubber analysis, the MonTech P-VS 3000 Sample Cutter for consistency in sample preparation, the MonTech CP3000 Bale Cutter for cutting polymer bales, blocks, and rubber sheets with precision, the MonTech Fatigue Tester FT 3000 CH for evaluating rubber compound durability under various conditions, and the 2 Roll Mill and other laboratory tools for mixing, blending, and testing rubber compounds under varied temperature conditions.

IINM utilizes these tools across diverse projects, catering to both academic research and industry-sponsored initiatives. Undergraduate and postgraduate students use the equipment daily, booking time slots to ensure smooth operation. The MonTech D-RPA 3000 is indispensable for analyzing the viscoelastic properties of polymers and elastomeric compounds before, during, and after vulcanization. This advanced instrument offers a huge range of customizable options for demanding static and dynamic characterization across a wide shear-rate and temperature range.

The equipment provided by E&B has revolutionized the research process at IINM. Researchers report enhanced accuracy, adaptability, and efficiency. Equipment like the Fatigue Tester FT 3000 CH has been adapted for new experiments, and the MonTech RPA is central to nearly all projects, emphasizing its importance in the institute’s daily operations. Students have also benefited greatly from the equipment, with positive feedback highlighting its ease of use and consistent, accurate results.

The continued collaboration between E&B, MonTech, and the IINM exemplifies the synergy between academia and industry. E&B offers a unique range of equipment that has perfectly dovetailed with the goals of the IINM. “Our relationship with E&B has been central to our ability to deliver on a range of national and international projects. Critical to this success is having a direct line to Mark Galliver. Irrespective of timescales and deadlines, whether a quotation is needed or urgent assistance to repair an existing item of equipment, Mark and his team, without exception, go that extra mile to help where possible. In particular, the ongoing technical support that E&B arrange with suppliers has been excellent, most recently with the purchase of a Rubber Process Analyzer from MonTech,” said Tony McNally, Chair and Professor, IINM. By providing cutting-edge equipment and expertise, E&B has helped the IINM to maintain its status as a global leader in nanocomposite manufacturing research, ensuring that the next generation of researchers is equipped to push the boundaries of polymer science.