GKN Aerospace joins Graphene@Manchester as Tier 1 partner

GKN Aerospace - one of the world’s leading suppliers of manufacturing to the aerospace industry - is the latest company to join the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC) at The University of Manchester as a Tier 1 partner.

The collaboration will explore multiple areas of graphene application, including the use of graphene in innovative coatings for aerospace applications, and development of new composite materials.

James Baker, CEO of Graphene@Manchester, said: “We are pleased to welcome GKN as our latest Tier 1 partner. My background is in aerospace, so I’m really excited about the potential for a collaboration with such an influential player in the industry.

“GKN supplies products to 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers, so we have an opportunity to make a genuine difference to the next generation of lighter, more sustainable aircraft through innovation in 2D materials.”

GKN Aerospace CTO and Head of Strategy Russ Dunn (pictured) said: “The GEIC’s core capabilities and wealth of knowledge in 2D materials and manufacturing make it an excellent partner for GKN Aerospace. It offers a practical path from the development of materials science all the way to industrial application. This includes support to establish new supply chains and collaboration to increase the speed of development, maintaining the UK’s global leadership position in research and development.

“Graphene has the ability to increase the life of products in-service and reduce cost, for example by reducing the need for platinum in fuel cells,” Russ added. “We look forward to working with the University and the local ecosystem to explore commercial applications that meet the growing demand for more sustainable, lighter-weight technology, with increased functionality.”

Partnership model

The Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC) is a £60 million, industry-led facility, designed to work in collaboration with commercial partners to create, test and optimise new concepts for delivery to market, along with the processes required for scale up and supply chain integration.

Tier 1 membership of the GEIC offers partners a dedicated laboratory within the GEIC facility, plus access to our unique application labs and specialist equipment, and the chance to work with our academic partners.

Tier 2 membership provides a lower-cost route to rapid feasibility studies, with access to a specific application area, designed for SMEs and start-up companies or larger firms looking to investigate the opportunities for incorporating graphene into their business.

To get in touch with the GEIC’s business engagement team, email: graphene@manchester.ac.uk

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