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NMP-2007-1.2-1 Pilot lines to study, develop and up-scale nanotechnology-based processes from laboratory
Technical content/scope: The transfer of promising nanotechnology research results into new industrial technologies still represents a bottleneck. The expected projects should be focused on the scale-up of innovative nanotechnology-based and laboratory-scale processes to pilot-line-scale for industrial application. The expected projects should include appropriate modelling to design and predict processes and production lines. The goal is thus to facilitate the transfer from laboratory-scale activities to larger scale processes that would open the way for industrial production lines thereby enhancing European competitiveness. Economic aspects of the proposals are therefore crucial and possible solutions should present a strong link to market needs. The projects could include an assessment regarding public health and consumer protection, occupational safety and the environment, as well as an evaluation of impacts on regulation.
Funding scheme: Large-scale integrating collaborative projects
Specific features: Additional activities other than research could be included as appropriate, such as metrology for online monitoring and control, safety issues, specific education modules or the analysis of existing and required regulations. If appropriate, accompanying life cycle assessment (LCA) studies should be performed according to ISO 14040ff and the data should be provided according to data format and quality requirements set up by the European Platform for LCA (http://lca.jrc.ec.europa.eu). In line with the objectives of this topic, adequate industrial participation is recommended.
Expected impact: (i) Solutions going well beyond the state-of–the-art; (ii) stimulation and acceleration of the industrial take-up of promising results beyond laboratory scale; (iii) new competitive industrial processes; (iv) sustainable development.