NANOCOM – Scottish centre for nanotechnology in construction.doc

23/11/2006 NANOCOM – Scottish centre for nanotechnology in construction materials Paisley, Scottland – Background: The Advanced Concrete and Masonry Centre of the University of Paisley has been working in the nanotechnology field since 1994. The NANOCOM was established in 2000 under the ACM Centre by a research development grant from the Scottish High Education Founding Council (SHEFC) Vision: The NANOCOM aims to act as a centre of excellence in Scotland for application and exploitation of recent advances in nanotechnology to enhance fundamental knowledge and practical performance of both basic and new construction materials. Nanotechnology has been treated by NANOCOM as a promising and essential approach to characterise, develop new materials and exploit new properties. Thematic focus: ??? Research activities suggest cement and concrete Current and proposed research: interfaces and bond, etc., of advanced composites-brittle matrices reinforced with bundled fibres fracture mechanisms and basic structure of cement, concrete, and reinforced concrete high performance cement-based composites using nano-particles/fibres behaviour of other materials, such as slate and historic mortars, lime and stone, as well as sealants, coatings and paints. Research collaboration: Microelectronics Imaging and Analysis Centre (MIAC) of the University of Edinburgh Department of Petroleum Engineering, and the Department of Building Engineering and Surveying of Heriot-Watt University Thin Film Centre at the University of Paisley Institute of Materials Physics at the University of Vienna Department of Civil Engineering at the Czech Technical University Industry collaboration: Cement and concrete industry, manufacturers of admixtures for concrete and manufacturers of fine fillers (nano-particles) Organization: ??? NANOC – Centre for Nanomaterials Applications in Construction Bilbao, Spain – /index.html Background: NANOC is a recently created unit within LABEIN – a private Technology Cen