Materials science and manufacturing

Focus on textiles and fibres research

CSIR and NWU spearhead emerging hydrogen research area The CSIR has been appointed by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) to establish a Hydrogen Centre of Competence (CoC) to focus on hydrogen production, storage, delivery and distribution. The CoC will be established jointly with the North-West University (NWU).

South Africa launches first nanotechnology innovation centres The first two national nanotechnology innovation centres have been established at the CSIR and at Mintek, respectively. Nanotechnology has taken the world of science by storm since it potentially holds the key to new materials with extraordinary properties.

Micro-manufacturing laboratory launched at CSIR The CSIR, in partnership with the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Strategy (AMTS), has launched a state-of-art micro-manufacturing laboratory, which is the first platform dedicated to this technology area in South Africa.

Advanced robotics and mechatronics symposium sparks collaboration Several national initiatives and collaborations were generated following the first symposium for Advanced Robotics and Mechatronics, which was co-hosted by the CSIR in November.

CSIR textile researcher honoured Chief researcher, Dr Rajesh Anandjiwala of CSIR Materials Science and Manufacturing has been appointed as Adjunct Professor in the Department of Textile Science of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU), Port Elizabeth.

Energy = the ability to do work The CSIR's energy and processes technology area is well established in realising its aim to develop globally competitive, sustainable and environmentally acceptable energy processes and technologies for the processing and manufacturing industries.

The awakening of the coal giant CSIR researchers conveyed their expertise in clean coal technology recently at a conference in Botswana, a country with grossly under-exploited coal resources.

Fuel cells to be an energy resource for buildings Fuel cells are a promising technology for use as a source of heat and electricity in buildings, and as an electrical power source for vehicles.

Mid-term energy solution possible The CSIR has identified a suite of four South African coals that could alleviate the growing energy demand on a mid-term basis. Through an integrated gasification combined cycle these coals could be used for fuelling power stations and operate for three or four decades to alleviate harmful greenhouse effects.