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YEAR BOOK |
Dublin Institute of Technology
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CREST: research for industry and academia
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Overview
The Centre for Research in Engineering Surface Technology (CREST) is the result of scientific research and investigation focused on solutions for enterprise. The service level agreement between the Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) and Enterprise Ireland (EI) resulted in the founding of CREST in 2004. The Centre is a platform for applied research in surface science that contributes to academic and industrial growth on this island. It is located in the Focas Institute, which provides state of the art laboratory support and promotes interdisciplinary research collaborations.
CREST has assembled a team of highly trained scientists to focus on academic research and on helping companies in Ireland research and develop exciting new materials. It is the premier surface coating consultancy service in Ireland and a national approval laboratory that has been used by many Irish government agencies (e.g. An Post, Luas, NRA) to give advice on public and private projects. In 2005, CREST received the DIT Faculty of Engineering Award for contribution to industry.
Mission Statement
To maintain our position as the leading surface coatings and corrosion control laboratory in Ireland; serving the island's industrial and academic needs. This is achieved through innovation partnerships involving product/process development, inspection, testing, specification and applied research. We are committed to facilitating the synergy between the academic and industrial community to leverage Irish intellectual capital for commercial and social prosperity.
Consultancy
The Centre offers services ranging from material surface characterisation and corrosion control to the development of coatings and nano-materials for diverse industries. We have a multidisciplinary team of consultants that have over twenty years experience on coatings troubleshooting and corrosion control. This enables consultancy work to be carried out at the client's site as well as in our laboratories. CREST provides its clients with a thorough materials analysis using Electron Microscopy (SEM and TEM), AFM, FTIR, Raman, UV/Vis, confocal laser, GCMS, surface profile mapping, electrochemical methods and optical microscopy. CREST also specialises in physical and chemical analysis of coatings as well as accelerated weathering.
CREST is involved in product development, technical investigation, consultancy, training and trouble-shooting for a wide range of companies. The centre has been involved in six industrial research projects ranging from self-stratifying coatings to zinc oxide nano-materials. Some of our clients are: NTERA, Fleetwood Sherwin Williams Ltd., General Paints Ltd, ABB, Galco Steel, Kingspan, Dublin City Council, National Roads Authority and the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI). In 2004, CREST was the certified coatings laboratory for supplier approval, material validation and quality control during NRA's metrication project (speed limit change over).
CREST research, 2005 and beyond
CREST has rapidly expanded its research facilities, and now has six research scientists and five postgraduate students focusing on surface coatings and corrosion control. CREST is engaged with both Irish companies and in joint collaboration with third level institutes in Ireland and Europe.
CREST has developed a self-layering coating for substrates which combines in a single coat, the protective and decorative properties of conventional paint systems while reducing solvent content and costs. DIT signed its first commercial license with an indigenous company in December 2005 to explore and develop this prototype coating into a product.
Several innovation partnership programmes between CREST and its industrial clients involve nanotechnology. One of these is the investigation of novel TiO 2 material formulations and process methods for nanochromic� displays. Another project studies nanostructure corrosion protection for aerospace aluminium.
2006 has seen CREST develop its research to involve novel coatings for the medical device industry. To complete this research CREST has led a project involving other groups in DIT, UCD, TCD, DCU and ITTD. The team will focus on the novel application of a combination of new and established materials to enhance the bacterial resistance of medical devices against infection.
Contact Details: Dr John Colreavy
Centre Director, CREST.
Phone: +353 1-4027940
www.crestdit.com