1920-58-RIS-LW - ERDF Funded - INVITATION TO TENDER for an Analytical Transmission Electron Microscope

Sheffield Hallam University wishes to procure a Transmission Electron Microscope. The project is receiving funding from the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (and in London the intermediate body Greater London Authority) is the Managing Authority for European Regional Development Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations. For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding The TEM will support applied research and development in a wide range of applications and materials types, from metallic alloys, glasses and ceramics, polymer composites and hybrid Bio-compatible materials (e.g. hydro-gels). The instrument has been specified to be as flexible as possible so that many different users will be able to analyse their materials. This has included ways of mitigating electron beam damage to sensitive samples to allow "soft" materials to be studied. By imaging and analysing materials at ultra-high magnification the instrument can determine the fundamental mechanism responsible for a material's properties and performance and thus allows researchers in academia and in industry to tailor a material's properties to meet new challenges. This could be in terms of improved strength, hardness, high temperature performance and corrosion resistance, etc.. It allows the interaction between inorganic and organic (including biological) materials to be studied and modified for better performing medical devices or polymer composites. The capabilities enabled by this equipment will be of benefit to a broad range of companies, including SME's, in materials and manufacturing. The benefits / likely outcomes are; Development of new materials, materials failure investigations, understanding the effect of materials processing on microstructure and subsequent properties/applications. Also the examination of bio-compatible in support of health applications, for example, implants. The medium to longer term objectives, year 2 onwards, include work with business and academic partners, as well as industrial collaborators including RTOs. Focus in on regional companies (due to ERDF funding) to - • Develop new materials, products and components; Improve existing products and processes; and increase performance and market opportunities for companies through improved product life, longevity, durability, usability and/or enhanced functionality. • Increase competitiveness of UK and SCR companies in priority sectors, including manufacturing, health care technologies and devices • Increase the number of small and medium sized enterprises engaged in knowledge exchange and collaboration • Improve the commercialisation and market entry of new or enhanced products or services including by small and medium sized enterprises • Increase investment in research and innovation, including by small and medium sized enterprises.