Scientists at the University of Manchester will use a £5.7m grant to help develop new super-light materials solutions for building greener cars and aircraft.
The five and a half year collaborative project - led by the University - aims to help deliver dramatic reductions in the enviromental impacts of transport, by finding ways of improving the design of high performamce light alloys in the transport sector.
A team of eight multi-disciplinary academics, led by Professor George Thompson in the School of Materials, will investigate techniques for forming complex component architectures, joinig advanced alloys and dissimilar materials, and engineering surfaces for low environmental impact, while ensuring low cost and recyclability.
The LATEST2 (Light Alloys Towards Environmentally Sustainable Transport 2nd Generation) Project is being funded by a Programme Grant from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
George Thompson, Professor of Corrosion Science and Engineering, said "This important grant provides us with secure funding over several years to develop the scientific understanding to meet the challenge of building lighter vehicles and aircraft with lower carbon emissions and better fuel economy."
"It also enables us, in conjunction with academic and industrial collaborators, to promote awareness of the importance of engineering and physical sciences - and materials in particular - to the fabric of everyday life."
Nothwest Automotive Alliance fully supported the LATEST2 Programme Grant Application when it was handed to the EPSRC last year.
