SASKATOON, Canada – Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan have received$183,946 from the Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) to develop and test nanostructured coatings that would increase the durability of hard-to-reach industrial and medical components.

Canada Research Chair in Nanoengineering Coating Technologies and Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Qiaoqin Yang, and her team will purchase specially made equipment that will apply the coatings to the surfaces of the components for testing and demonstration. Four industry-specific coating prototypes will be tested, for projects such as solar energy systems, artificial joints, and mining and oil sands equipment. The coatings will be comprised of new, extremely durable advanced materials. The new coating application equipment and process will also be tested as a prototype for commercialization.

Approximately 25 student researchers will assist in the development and testing work, resulting in a cadre of highly qualified personnel in the nanocoating field.

"Our government understands that nanoscience is a major driver of future innovation and economic growth. Today's investment strengthens the University of Saskatchewan's capacity to further develop new nanomaterials for commercialization while increasing the number of highly qualified personnel in this field," said Brad Trost, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon-Humboldt.

"With WD's support and the collaboration of many industrial partners and top researchers around the world, Dr. Yang's team will design super-hard coatings for the surfaces of moving parts, from longer-wearing artificial joints to corrosion-resistant mining equipment. Today's investment in this exciting, cutting-edge nanocoating research will help bring this promising new technology to physicians and industries across Canada and around the world," noted Karen Chad, U of S Vice-President Research, University of Saskatchewan.