West Perth-based composites technology developer Quickstep Holdings Ltd says it will benefit from a £421,000 (A$993,000) grant awarded to the University of Manchester, for its research into new composite resins that use the Quickstep Process.
The grant from the Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), will allow a team of international composites experts to develop a more detailed scientific understanding of the processes that occur during rapid processing of polymer composites so that an optimised resin chemistry can be developed.
The research team involved in the resin development programme has elected to specifically focus on the Quickstep Process, recognising Quickstep as the forerunner in fluid-controlled heat transfer (FHT) processing technology - an area which is currently attracting significant industrial interest as a practical alternative to slower autoclave processing.
Quickstep Managing Director, Mr Nick Noble, said the development of specialised composite resins would represent a quantum leap forward for the Company.
"This research programme will provide a better understanding of how the Quickstep Process affects resin chemistry, and will therefore facilitate the development of specialised resins that enhance the mechanical performance of Quickstep-manufactured composite components," Mr Noble said.
The grant represents a further key endorsement of Quickstep's position as a leader in advanced out-of-autoclave manufacturing, coming hard on the heels of the announcement on November 22 that Macquarie Funds Management - one of Australia's largest investment institutions - will acquire a 6% stake in Quickstep, citing strong support for the Company's long term business model.
"The EPSRC is the UK Government's leading funding agency for research and training in engineering and the physical sciences.
The research programme is expected to commence in March 2008.
