Materials science and manufacturing

CSIR to establish a battery technology centre of competence The CSIR is establishing a battery technology centre of competence. The centre's establishment is specifically aimed at the development of advanced battery technologies for stationary and automobile energy storage applications.

First-ever Biomaterials-Africa conference to be held at CSIR Biomaterials-Africa 2009, which is to be held from 20 to 22 September at the CSIR International Convention Centre, will be the first of its kind in what should be many more conferences to come. The conference is being hosted by the Biomaterials Association of South Africa and its theme is 'advancing biomaterials in Africa'.

CSIR going small for big impact The CSIR has invested R2 million in the establishment of clean room facilities for the making of soft lithography moulds for micro-manufacturing research. The facility will be used in the manufacture of various microsystems and microfluidic components such as those used on microchips, valves and actuators.

CSIR throws weight behind the International Year of Natural Fibres The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations declared 2009 to be the International Year of Natural Fibres to emphasise the importance of using natural fibres rather than synthetic ones. With a whole research group that focuses exclusively on natural fibres, the CSIR naturally intends to play its part in promoting this topic.

CSIR hosts international conference on nanotechnology The world's foremost researchers in the hi-tech fields of nanoscience and nanotechnology convened in Pretoria during the first week of February when they met at the 3rd Biannual South African Nanotechnology Initiative Conference, NanoAfrica2009. The conference drew 225 participants from twenty countries.

CSIR develops new alternative for outer-ear implants The CSIR has developed a three-dimensional, custom-made reconstructive ear implant as an alternative to the currently available, often problematic products for auricular reconstruction.

A SA-born rival for dermal fillers? Scientists at the CSIR have developed a soft tissue bulking product that might just become a serious competitor for overseas dermal fillers. The technology, which is now in the process of being commercialised, is called Dermapearl™ and its inventors have a solid business plan ready for this to happen.

Successful nanoscience workshop co-hosted by the CSIR The CSIR's National Centre for Nano-Structured Materials co-hosted a workshop on small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) at the end of January. The two-day workshop was presented by Dr Heimo Schnablegger from Anton Paar GmbH in Graz, Austria. Dr Schnablegger is one of the world's foremost researchers on SAXS.