Superior hardcoating/scratch-resistant materials and processes will be developed in the UK's Foresight Vehicle research project.

Danielson has reinforced its reputation for breaking new technological ground by playing a central role in a partnership research project that is key to the UK's national automotive R and D programme, Foresight Vehicle. The aim of the project, known as PABS2K, is to develop superior hardcoating/scratch-resistant materials and processes that will meet increasingly stringent environmental requirements and growing expectations for safety, cost, performance and desirability. Danielson, one of five industrial partners involved in the project, will contribute manpower, equipment and materials to ensure background work, sample preparation and testing are completed successfully.

In return, Danielson will be the first European supplier of specialised man/machine interfaces, nameplates, labels and metal-fabricated parts to gain access to the project's findings and resulting technologies.

The three-year project has two main focal points; the continued development of Vitresyn hardcoats - a TWI trademark-registered product - and the establishment of transparent nanocomposites through improved stiffness and increased abrasion resistance.

In particular, Danielson will be involved in the evaluation of improvements to resistance against abrasion and adhesion testing.

Ben Phelan, Head of Automotive Division at Danielson, said the project would benefit a wide range of industries.

'This ground-breaking project will ensure the development of formulae, testing procedures and, ultimately, production processes that can be applied to a number of products, including badges and kickplates.

Danielson's involvement in PABS2K secures our reputation of actively supporting new production techniques and introducing the very latest technologies.' The Polymeric Automotive Body System (PABS) project relies on the development of dual-injection moulding techniques to create tough, adaptable components that comply with Foresight Vehicle's aim of stimulating technologies fit for the vehicles of the future.

Part funded by the Department of Trade and Industry, the programme's key objective is to make a significant impact on the use of energy and the emission of pollutants.

Alan Taylor, Principal Project Leader at TWI, said that along with other project partners, Danielson's involvement was critical to the success of PABS2K.

'Getting a company like Danielson on board was important because of their experience in automotive trims and membrane panels.

We've developed a close working relationship with Danielson and their input has been invaluable.'