The pan-European consortium FOREMOST (Fullerene-based Opportunities for Robust Engineering: Making Optimized Surfaces for Tribology) has developed its first composite coating, based on ApNano Materials’ nanoparticles (inorganic fullerenes [IF]). The new coating is being considered for plating advanced parts by some of FOREMOST’s partners and other industrial firms to achieve improved efficiency, reduced emissions and extended equipment lifetimes in harsh conditions. The coating reportedly has better lubricating properties and lasted tens of thousands of cycles longer than several commercially available coatings tested under the same conditions.

FOREMOST’s total budget is €18.9 million. It is funded by the European Union’s Sixth Framework Program for Nanotechnologies and Nanosciences, Knowledge-Based Multifunctional Materials and New Production Processes and Devices. The objective of FOREMOST is to provide radically improved coatings and lubricants to reduce friction and wear significantly in order to save energy, extend operating lifetimes, reduce maintenance and reduce the environmental impact of machines, automobiles and trucks, and other modes of transportation.

For more information, visit www.apnano.com or www.cordis.lu/fp6.