Impact case study database
- Submitting institution
- Sheffield Hallam University
- Unit of assessment
- 12 - Engineering
- Summary impact type
- Technological
- Is this case study continued from a case study submitted in 2014?
- No
1. Summary of the impact
Research by the National HIPIMS Technology Centre at Sheffield Hallam University (SHU) has driven innovation and created value across the supply chain, achieving market-leading performance for applications in consumer electronics, manufacturing, and biomedical implants. New HIPIMS technologies have generated revenue in excess of GBP124,000,000 for coatings systems/equipment manufacturers and cutting tool businesses. The research has led to changes in manufacturing practice at Ionbond UK, the largest HIPIMS manufacturing facility in the UK, safeguarding 12 jobs, generating around GBP1,200,000 in new business and substantially increasing productivity. The application of HIPIMS technology has vastly improved performance and longevity for medical implants and the licencing of HIPIMS to Zimmer Biomet has created 8 new jobs in the UK and USA.
2. Underpinning research
Professors Ehiasarian and Hovsepian and their group at SHU have led the development of High-Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering (HIPIMS), which has become an industrially important physical vapour deposition (PVD) method of applying coatings using high current plasma glow discharges which generate an ionised vapour that is free of macro-particles.
Surface pre-treatments and nano-scale coatings based on SHU’s HIPIMS advances have fulfilled long-standing needs of industry for high-density and better adhesion and enabled end-users to improve coating performance, durability, and reliability of their products.
Since the original work at SHU which pioneered HIPIMS as a novel branch of PVD, the research has continued to make key contributions to the understanding and implementation of HIPIMS through an ongoing programme of collaborative experimental research. Sheffield Hallam has collaborated with industrial partners and more than 15 research groups across the world, including Fraunhofer IST, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, CERN, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Zimmer Biomet, and Gillette.
A specific innovation that resulted from the research was a breakthrough for achieving “fully-dense” coatings [ R1,R2,R3,R4] through application of kWcm-2 power densities. This methodology proved capable of eliminating the intergranular pores and macro-defects which had previously led to coating failures associated with production by conventional PVD technologies. Research has focussed on three areas:
The first area relates to an investigation into how HIPIMS might be transformed into a commercial coating production process, which is dependable, controllable, and predictable. The research established the principles of HIPIMS plasmas and applied them to the upscaling of the hardware and coating technology for industrial production. Ehiasarian’s group collaborated with Trumpf Hüttinger (TH) to investigate the temporal development of the discharge and used it to co-develop the first industrial scale commercial grade HIPIMS generator with MW pulse capability [ R5]. This led to the world's first large scale experimental HIPIMS tests at SHU in 2003. In 2007, the group’s HIPIMS research facilities were upgraded to include an industrial production-grade automated deposition system, unique within the university sector.
This enabled the industrial applicability of HIPIMS innovations which proved to be critical in realising technology transfer to the manufacturing sector through collaborative research. Investigation of the electron-collision ionisation mechanisms [ R3] and discovering plasma self-organisation led to research outputs underpinning a second-generation product with TH , the HighPulse 4000 (G2) in 2016, with precision-controlled power delivery. Research focussed on the stable deposition of materials for applications such as touch-screen displays, transparent thin film transistors, architectural glass, and semiconductor manufacturing.
Ehiasarian and Hovsepian’s research at Sheffield Hallam developed systems and technologies for HIPIMS deposition which was scalable beyond the research laboratory. An efficient plasma-etching and substrate pre-treatment method, patented in 2006 [ R1], revealed local epitaxial coating growth on steel substrates and accounted for enhanced adhesion. Strong adhesion is a critical requirement for all coatings exposed to mechanical, thermal, and oxidative stress such as cutting tools, power generation, jet propulsion turbines, and automotive bearings/engine components. Ehiasarian’s research into the confinement of the (ionised) deposition flux led to patenting a high deposition rate HIPIMS source (GB0608582A, applied 02.05.2006) and a substrate bias power supply (GB2437080B, granted 12.10.2011). This research delivered previously unobtainable coating coverage of through-silicon vias (aspect ratio 30:1) realised using appropriate ionisation conditions [ R4]. Industrial research with Evatec (between 2008-2010) developed HIPIMS technology for through-silicon via (TSV) interconnects of next generation miniaturised 3D-Integrated microelectronics devices. Research via an Innovate UK project (132366) with Ionbond in 2017/2018 created the first digital twin of the HIPIMS process, and elevated Quality Assurance to high-value manufacturing standards.
The third aspect relates to Hovsepian’s group’s research into nanoscale multilayer coatings (nanolayers) produced by HIPIMS, where synergistic combinations of materials were tailored to withstand demanding environments. CrN/NbN combined wear and corrosion-resistant materials in a nanolayer stack to enable superhardening and were densified to achieve a material suitable for use in orthopaedic implants enhancing fatigue resistance and mitigating metal sensitivity. This work was applied through collaboration with Zimmer Biomet spanning 2005-2020, with the coating performance confirmed in independent testing in a total hip replacement ram model at the Institute of Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal Science at University College London [ R6].
TiAlCN/VCN and CrAlCN/CrBCN materials were investigated for use in cutting tools via a methodology that employed architecture gradation from nanolayer to nanocomposite where a carbon matrix reduced reactions with the workpiece. This research was undertaken in collaboration with Sandvik between 2015-2018 and a patent application was filed (EP3374537A1, 2016). Research into CrAlBYN/AlSiN nanolayers (2016-2018) employed dopants to investigate the enhancement of elasticity and potential to protect Rolls-Royce plc aero-engine turbine blades against hot corrosion, resulting in a patent application (EP3527688A1, 16.01.2019).
3. References to the research
R1. Main Patent granted on 20.09.2006 EP1260603B1
https://patents.google.com/patent/EP1260603B1
R2. Ehiasarian, A.P., Munz, W.D., Hultman, L., Helmersson, U. and Petrov, I., High power pulsed magnetron sputtered CrNx films, Surf. Coat. Technol. 163-164, 267 (2003)
R3. Ehiasarian, A.P., Vetushka, A., Aranda Gonzalvo, A., Sáfrán, G.,Székely, L., and Barna, P. B., Influence of high power impulse magnetron sputtering plasma ionization on the microstructure of TiN thin films, Journal of Applied Physics 109, 104314 (2011)
R4. Weichart, J., Elghazzali, M., Kadlec, S., Ehiasarian, A.P., PVD Processes in High Aspect Ratio Features by HIPIMS, ( Proceedings of the 52nd Annual Technical Conference of the Society of Vacuum Coaters, United States, May 9–14, 2009 Santa Clara, CA), 201 (2009) https://www.shu.ac.uk/~/media/home/research/meri/what-we-do/projects/pvd-processes-in-high-aspect-ratio-featres-by-hipims.pdf
R5. Ehiasarian, A.P., Bugyi, R., Industrial Size High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering, Society of Vacuum Coaters 47th Annual Technical Conference; Dallas, TX; USA; 24–29 April 2004. pp. 486–490 (2004) https://www.svc.org/DigitalLibrary/document.cfm/1288/Industrial-Size-High-Power-Impulse-Magnetron-Sputtering
R6. Blunn, GW, De Godoy, RF, Meswania, J, Briggs, TWR, Tyler, P, Hargunani, R, Wilson, H, Khan, I, Marriott, T, Coathup, MJ. 2019. A novel ceramic coating for reduced metal ion release in metal‐on‐metal hip surgery. J Biomed Mater Res Part B. 2019: 107B: 1760– 1771. https://doi.org/10.1002/jbm.b.34268
| ###### Grant Title | ###### ID | ###### Funder | ###### Period | ###### Total Award |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| InnovaTiAl | NMP3- CT 2005-515844 | EU FP6 | 2005-2009 | GBP10,000,000 |
| Fundamentals of HIPIMS | EP/D049202/1 | EPSRC | 2008-2012 | GBP360,000 |
| Coatings for Orthopaedic Implants | Industrial Research | Zimmer Biomet | 2012-2020 | GBP 460,000 |
| High Efficiency CuInSe2Photovoltaic Modules Deposited at Low Temperature by HIPIMS | EP/J011398/1 | EPSRC | 2012-2016 | GBP329,149 |
| HIPIMS Coatings for Propulsion | Industrial Research | Rolls Royce | 2016-2018 | GBP120,000 |
| Real-time monitoring and control of magnetron sputter deposition | 132366 | Innovate UK | 2017-2018 | GBP93,506 |
The group’s contributions to science and translation were recognized through the awards of Fellowships of the Institute of Physics in 2014 and 2015, and the Mentor Award of the Society of Vacuum Coaters in 2017 and 2012, to Ehiasarian and Hovsepian respectively. Ehiasarian received the 2019 Fellow of the American Vacuum Society and 2018 European Physical Society Plasma Physics Innovation Prize and was included in the World's Top 2% Scientists listing by Stanford University 2020.
4. Details of the impact
During the period 2014-2020 SHU collaborated with 23 companies across 8 diverse sectors applying HIPIMS research to develop the next generation of durable, high performance thin films, coatings and plasma enhanced diffusion treatments. SHU HIPIMS research has led to the following impacts:
SHU has licensed its patent on pre-treatment to Hauzer TechnoCoating, CemeCon, and Systec SVS, and has transferred knowhow on coating deposition to Oerlikon Balzers. SHU’s know-how is also embedded in the Highly Ionised Sputter (HIS) sold by Evatec to target TSV wafer packaging applications.
Following the licencing/know-how transfer, the companies have created a market portfolio of HIPIMS deposition systems comprising the Flexicoat®, CC800® HiPIMS, NOVELC HIPIMS, INLENIA and the CLUSTERLINE® ranges, respectively.
According to Systec, the new HIPIMS sputtering technologies offered
“ significant advantages over the more traditional arc technology … guarantee a droplet-free coating and thus offer a reduction in roughness and an improvement in corrosion resistance … [and] can avoid expensive and time-consuming re-polishing”.[ E1]
The CEO at Hauzer concurs:
“ HIPIMS…performance increase in machining compared to conventional technologies is reaching 30-100% in life- time or in higher cutting speeds” [ E1]
Economic impact through sales (2014-2020) has been significant, with sales directly attributable to HIPIMS systems totalling GBP16,200,000, and with HIPIMS expanding markets for all the manufacturers [ E1]. The Product Manager for Coating Equipment of CemeCon has stated that: “ HiPIMS coatings and HiPIMS equipment is a substantial part of our business” [ **CemeCon total reported revenues of GBP39,000,000 (2015-2020)**] , [ E1] and:
“In our development efforts we have significantly been inspired by the research results in the field of HIPIMS published by Sheffield Hallam University in refereed journals and the interactions we have had at the International Conference on HIPIMS organised by Sheffield Hallam University and Fraunhofer IST.” [ E1]
The impact of SHU’s research and knowledge transfer on HIPIMS extends to products that utilise the technology. Three leading tools manufacturers have developed new products with significantly improved tool life using HIPIMS coatings produced by equipment supplied by Hauzer and CemeCon which utilises SHU know-how as described in Section 1. HORN’s Coating Engineer has noted that products with HIPIMS coatings were "able to outperform the tool life of already existing arc and sputter coatings by a factor of 2 to 5".” [ E2]
For Walter AG, HIPIMS enabled the development of the M2131 90° ramping milling cutter which has increased metal removal rates and extended tool life up to 200 percent. [ E2]
3. Established the first industrial scale Plasma Generators
HIPIMS products have enabled additional hardware sales at a total value of GBP108,000,000 embedding SHU HIPIMS technology into > 20 new customers and the creation/safeguarding of 30 jobs. [ E3] In 2018, and in collaboration with SHU, Trumpf Hüttinger, Poland launched the Highpulse 4000 (G2) plasma generator, thus establishing the company as sole supplier of industrial scale generators. The superior rates and coating quality have reduced the cost of ownership in decorative, semiconductor, glazing and display industries.
HIPIMS research is further exploited via
The partnership between SHU and global leaders in coating technologies, Ionbond UK, established the first industrial facility for HIPIMS in the UK. The CEO of Ionbond stated that:
“ Our collaboration with SHU established the first industrial facility for HIPIMS in the UK. The industrial scale equipment armed with new HIPIMS technology and the technical support from SHU has given Ionbond the unique capability to develop the next generation of PVD coatings and to be a leader in industrial PVD coating development for many years to come ...” [ E5]
Since 2014, the company has collaborated with SHU to modernise its manufacturing practice by adding HIPIMS and its digital twin, reducing the roughness of the coatings by a factor of 6, reducing scrap rate to <1% and eliminating the post-treatment step thus reducing production times by 20%, boosting Quality Assurance and increasing productivity. New business enabled by these improvements is valued at GBP1,200,000 resulting in safeguarding 12 jobs in the socially deprived area of Consett, County Durham. [ E5]
Ehiasarian's work on this project earned him the IONBOND IHI Group Industrial accolade for his leadership in 2015 [ E5].
Zimmer Biomet (ZB), the world’s largest manufacturer of orthopaedic implants, acquired a HIPIMS license from SHU for HIPIMS to develop a new durable coating for orthopaedics. The coating was fully validated and upscaled for manufacture (a multi-million-pound investment) creating 8 jobs in the UK and USA.
Zimmer Biomet’s CTO, states:
“Zimmer Biomet is one of the world’s largest manufacturer of orthopaedic implants. We acquired a HIPIMS license from SHU to develop a new durable coating for orthopaedic implants. Since 2014 the coating has undergone validation and upscaling for manufacture through a multi-million-pound research and development programme that has created or safeguarded 8 jobs at Zimmer Biomet in the UK and USA.
These novel coatings provide significant bench-top improvements over contemporary coatings used in orthopaedics, promising superior implant performance and longevity clinically to enhance the lives of tens of thousands of patients around the world” [ E6]
Other areas of industry where the SHU research has been licenced include: HIPIMS technology licenced to one of the largest automotive component manufacturer Mahle (Brazil) for tribological coatings to reduce fuel consumption; licencing, and in 2018, to
5. Sources to corroborate the impact
E1. Statements and weblinks from system manufacturers statements including: Hauzer, CemeCon, Evatec, Systec, and Oerlikon.
E2. Statements and weblinks from cutting tool manufacturers including: Paul Horn,
E3. Statement from VP Engineering, Trumpf Hüettinger
E4. Weblinks to Apple launch event, sales article, and historical sales statistics
E5. Statement from Ionbond UK
E6. Statement from Zimmer Biomet
E7. Licence agreements from Sheffield Hallam University for HIPIMS technology
- Submitting institution
- Sheffield Hallam University
- Unit of assessment
- 12 - Engineering
- Summary impact type
- Technological
- Is this case study continued from a case study submitted in 2014?
- No
1. Summary of the impact
Research into concrete materials and structures, by Sheffield Hallam’s Centre for Infrastructure Management (CIM), has generated professional practice and economic impacts throughout the REF period through: (i) certified competence training to 251 bridge inspectors with GBP1,300,000 investment by UK and international bridge authorities; (ii) commercialisation via AMX Solutions Ltd of research on bridge management expert systems adopted by 45 local authorities, 6 national and 8 international bodies, generating income [text removed for publication]; (iii) commercialisation of low carbon alkali activated cementitious materials (AACMs) through C-Probe Ltd. and Liquid Granite Ltd., and with Mott MacDonald Ltd., generating [text removed for publication] combined income since 2014, underpinning investment [text removed for publication].
2. Underpinning research
Mangat and O'Flaherty’s work concerns durability of reinforced concrete structures. It focusses on long-term performance of concrete repair in highway structures through investigations concerned with interactions between repair patches and substrate concrete in combination with innovative materials research specifically addressing the limitations of concrete repair materials. This work is embodied in three underpinning streams of research:
Research was undertaken into the development of new computer models for evaluating the effects of long-term deterioration processes in concrete, such as shrinkage cracking [ R1], chloride diffusion, and reinforcement corrosion on performance of repair [ R2]. These computer models, together with the comprehensive databases created of defects and repair performance, enabled predictions of durability, severity, and extent of defects. The research was applied (through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership project [i]) to develop an expert system for optimal repair in highway bridges. This was developed to facilitate implementation of the "Management of Highway Structures code of Practice" produced in 2005 and the "Inspection Manual for Highway Structures" produced by the UK Bridges Board in 2007. The resultant software is protected by copyright held by AMX Solutions Ltd.
The research on concrete repair materials and their long-term performance in bridge repairs [ R1, R2], was extended to cathodic protection (CP) for corrosion remediation in concrete-steel composite structures with the award of a Royal Society Industrial Fellowship to Dr Paul Lambert to work with Mangat at SHU from 2001 to 2005 [ii]. Lambert is the Head of Materials and Corrosion Technology at Mott MacDonald and a Visiting Professor at SHU since 2005. The research on CP initially concentrated on numerical modelling of CP systems and their experimental verification. This facilitated the investigation of optimum CP system designs for corroding reinforced concrete and steel framed masonry structures [ R3] and led to the development of a dual function, corrosion protection and structural strengthening, CP system for reinforced concrete structures [ R4]. This was underpinned by the research on alkali activated cementitious materials (AACMs) (section 2.3), which produced an electrically conductive AACM matrix for the dual function CP anode which has been patented by a start-up company ( C-Probe) and applied in 22 commercial contracts by C-Probe and Mott McDonald (section 4.2.1).
Research by the team identified the principle of using inorganic alkali material to activate waste-derived reactive powders, thereby avoiding use of high CO2-producing hydraulic cement. Experimental investigations determined chemically optimised compositions of multiple reactive powders, filler and activator [ R5], so characterising the key parameters governing properties such as strength and durability. Further work developed admixtures capable of giving control over AACM setting time and shrinkage, thereby addressing practical considerations such as placement, compaction, on-site curing and long-term durability. Formulations suitable for different repair methods were then developed through an EU Regional Development Scheme grant [iii]. Industrially sponsored research from 2010 [iv] determined methodologies by which to exploit the excellent adhesive properties and electric conductivity of AACMs to achieve dual function anode systems which offer both CP and structural strengthening to concrete structures. AACMs proved to be fire resistant at temperatures exceeding 1100°C, significantly out-performing cement-based or polymer-modified materials. Compositions have been developed which include fire resistant AACM concrete, AACM mortars for repair and spray applications, and electrically conductive AACM mortars for CP applications. Research funded by the EPSRC [v] has supported underpinning research on material characteristics such as microstructure of the AACMs [ R6] which has been related to properties such as strength, shrinkage, fire resistance and durability [ R7]. It has also utilised agri-waste materials in AACMs together with industrial waste materials. Calculations for our AACM binder, based on the CO2 emission factors of its constituents, gives 76% lower CO2 equivalent emission factor than ordinary Portland cement (OPC). These underpinning research outputs provide critical support for commercialisation of the AACMs.
3. References to the research
R1. MANGAT, P. S. and O'FLAHERTY, Fin (2004). Analysis of interfacial shrinkage stresses in patch repairs. Magazine of concrete research, 56 (7), 375-385. https://doi.org/10.1680/macr.2004.56.7.375
R2. O'FLAHERTY, F and MANGAT, P (2003). Recommendations for the European pre-standard for concrete repair. In: NAUS, D.J.,(ed.) 2nd International RILEM Workshop on Life Prediction and Aging Management of Concrete Structures, RILEM Publications SARL, 237-245 https://www.rilem.net/gene/main.php?base=500218&id_publication=34&id_papier=875
R3. LAMBERT, P, MANGAT, P, O'FLAHERTY, F and WU, Y (2008). Cathodic protection of steel framed masonry structures - experimental and numerical studies. Materials and structures, 41 (2), 301-310. https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-007-9240-2
R4. LAMBERT, P, VAN NGUYEN, C, MANGAT, P, O'FLAHERTY, F and JONES, G (2015). Dual function carbon fibre fabric strengthening and impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) anode for reinforced concrete structures. Materials and structures, 48 (7), 2157-2167. https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-014-0300-0
R5. Mangat, P.S., Khatib, J.M., and Wright, L., "Optimum utilisation of FGD waste in blended binders" Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Construction Materials 159, 119, (2006) https://doi.org/10.1680/coma.2006.159.3.119
R6. MANGAT, P.S., OJEDOKUN, Olalekan (2018). Influence of curing on pore properties and strength of alkali activated mortars. Construction and Building Materials, 188, 337-348. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.07.180
R7. Mangat, P. S., Ojedokun, O.O. (2020). Free and bound chloride relationships affecting reinforcement cover in alkali activated concrete. Cement and Concrete Composites, 103692. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2020.103692
All outputs were rigorously peer-reviewed prior to publication. Outputs R3 and R4 resulted from a Royal Society Industrial Fellowship and R6 and R7 resulted from EPSRC–Newton Bhabha Funding.
Royal Society Industrial Fellowship “Novel Electrochemical Solutions for corroding Steel Framed Masonry Heritage Structures”, 2001-05, GBP93,000
EU Regional Development Funding (SY/4/23/NBP/1432) 2003-04, GBP114,562
EPSRC, Newton-Bhabha Fund on Agri-waste Materials (EP/P026206/1) 2017-19, GBP323,750
4. Details of the impact
The research has influenced professional practice, underpinned development of new technology and expert systems, and led to the successful commercialisation of materials. In turn, these benefits have improved the health and safety of concrete bridges for those managing their maintenance and the general public who use them.
Developed through collaborative research undertaken with SHU, the bridge management expert system, licensed to AMX Solutions Ltd, has become highly successful in the UK and overseas. Between 2014 and 2020, the AMX Asset Management eXpert system has been used to manage the assets of 45 local authorities in England and Wales, Portsmouth International port, Port of Tyne, M6 toll, Natural Resources Wales (originally Environmental Agency of Wales), Scottish Canals (originally British Waterways), Isle of Man Government, Government of Cyprus (Road authorities), Qatar (Ashgall), Departments of Transport in Dubai, Oman, Albania, Malaysia (2nd Panang crossing, 24km bridge), and two clients in the USA ( E1).
The AMX Solutions Ltd. system reduced bridge inspection time by 20% whilst improving speed, accuracy and detail of inspection data and reports for clients. It provided easy access on site and office to all records of clients’ infrastructure, digitally stored in one location ( E1).
The annual income of AMX Solutions has risen steadily [text removed for publication] Mangat trained both the original KTP Associate and industry supervisor, who now operate AMX Solutions as Director and Managing Director, respectively.
Managing Director AMX Solutions Ltd ( E1).: “ Research Engineers Europe Ltd. participated in concrete repair research projects including developing expert systems led by the Centre for Infrastructure Management at Sheffield Hallam University from 2000 to 2005. I, as their senior engineer, represented the company on the project. The research output inspired me to develop and market a bridge management system after the research projects were completed…. AMX solutions Ltd became commercially established by 2014…. The company has also participated in delivering the bridge inspector training program of the research team at Sheffield Hallam University by introducing the expert system”.
Research at Sheffield Hallam into bridge management systems, along with the expertise in materials engineering has informed the development of a comprehensive training programme which has been delivered by the CIM team since 2014. The SHU training forms the core content of the Bridge Inspector Certification Scheme operated by Lantra on behalf of the UK Bridges Board and the Irish National Roads Authority ( www.lantra.co.uk/bridge-inspectors). The course is supported by the Department of Transport (DfT) and the Bridge Owners Forum and is mandatory for professional registration ( E2).
Since 2014, the CIM team have delivered 1,507 days of bridge inspection competence training to 251 delegates from local authorities across the U.K., trunk roads agencies, area networks, river Tay Road bridge authority in Scotland, Highways England and Qatar Government ( E3, E4). These bridge authorities have invested approximately GBP1,300,000 (including staff costs during training). The impacts of the training indicated from feedback received match the objectives stated in the Management of Highways Structures Code (2005) and Lantra BICS scheme (2016) ( E2). The manager of the Tay Road Bridge (which carries over 28,000 vehicles per day and is strategically important to the economy in the east of Scotland) reports that the CIM bridge inspector training has enabled robust capital spend plans to be agreed with the Scottish Government for future maintenance works; enabled in-house team to carry out repairs thus avoiding unnecessary disruption to bridge users and demonstrated to the public that they can feel confident in using the Tay Road Bridge ( E3).
The underpinning research has led to impact in materials for concrete repair and restoration together with fire resistant products for buildings. Licenses were signed for repair and restoration outputs with C-Probe Systems Ltd, and fire-resistant elements with Liquid Granite Ltd. The Standard BSI PAS 8820:2016, essential for commercialising AACM concrete, was published in 2016 with Paul Lambert as co-author and C-Probe Ltd on the steering committee.
C-Probe Ltd. supplies AACM based repair mortars and dual function anode systems for cathodic protection applications and holds a licence from Sheffield Hallam for a customised version of AACM (E5) The AACM matrix distributes the corrosion protection current whilst providing greater acid resistance and strength to the dual function anode. Its ease of application facilitates efficient installation, reduces labour requirements and costs, whilst providing H&S benefits (E7). Based on the SHU research , C-Probe established a green manufacturing facility for AACMs to BSI PAS8820:2016 at St Helens, [text removed for publication]. The AACMs are utilised for galvanic, hybrid and impressed current anode applications for corrosion protection to recognised standards, EN1504 and ISO12696:2012, and for repair, restoration and strengthening of structures with low whole life impact ( E5).
[text removed for publication]. C-Probe has also carried out trials for potential clients such as HS2, Anglian, Yorkshire and United Utilities.
Liquid Granite Ltd developed low carbon impact, high performance, fire resistant, AACM concrete lintels with King Stone Products Ltd. These Super Fire Rated concrete lintels based on SHU research achieve a market-leading 240-minute fire rating (double the competitor product rating) without requiring a chemical protective coating which is a H&S hazard on site ( E6). [text removed for publication].
The research has enhanced the professional capability and competitiveness of Mott MacDonald Consulting Engineers in the optimisation of CP system design for structures and corrosion remediation using AACM based anodes. The innovation in CP systems has enabled Mott MacDonald to remain ahead of international competition, [text removed for publication], and winning international awards from the Futures Industry Association for sustainability and social benefit and from the International Concrete Repair Institute for the design and installation of a CP system using AACM mortar anodes for the Commerce Trust Building, Kansas City, USA in 2014 ( E7)
5. Sources to corroborate the impact
E1. AMX Solution Ltd: Company website https://www.amxsolutions.co.uk; https://www.assetmanagementexpert.com/bridge-management-system and statement from Managing Director corroborating sales figures.
E2. Lantra Bridge Inspector Certification Scheme: Interim Advice Note 192/16 Structures Inspector Competencies and Certification;
IAN 192: https://www.lantra.co.uk/sites/default/files/2018-07/IAN%20192-16.pdf; TSIA 46_16: https://www.lantra.co.uk/sites/default/files/2018-07/TSIA%2046_16%20-%20Structures%20Inspector%20Competencies%20and%20Certification.pdf
E3. Impact of Bridge Inspector Training – statements from bridge authorities (Scots Bridges; Fife RC; DOT Wales; and Tay Road Bridge).
E4. Delivery of Bridge Inspector Training: Training delivery and delegate records from SHU.
E5. C-Probe: company website https://www.c-probe.co.uk/; statement from Managing Director, C-Probe Ltd.
E6. Liquid Granite Ltd: Statement from Managing Director, Liquid Granite; company website, Kingstone: http://www.kingstonelintels.co.uk/; Liquid Granite online coverage: http://docshare01.docshare.tips/files/19201/192014857.pdf; https://idsnmow.blogspot.com/2013/10/liquid-granite-joanne-wong.html; http://allsmartbuzz.blogspot.com/2014/01/liquid-granite-ground-breaking-solution.html
E7. Mott MacDonald: Statements from Head of Materials and Corrosion Technology, Mott MacDonald.