Keronite awarded InnovateUK funding for antiviral surface coating development

Cambridge, UK – 8th June 2020 – Keronite can today announce the company has been awarded an InnovateUK grant to continue development of an antiviral surface coating for light alloys.

InnovateUK is the UK’s innovation arm, which opened a £40 million fund in April for innovative businesses launching new technologies during the Covid-19 pandemic. Keronite’s project seeks to create materials science solutions that actively destroy airborne pathogens. SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the disease Covid-19, can be destroyed by antiviral surface coatings exhibiting photocatalytic properties.

Keronite’s materials scientists have previously created successful photocatalytic coatings. The company’s advanced coating technology, plasma electrolytic oxidation, creates highly porous surfaces. Porous characteristics, when combined with TiO2, act as a potent photocatalyst. These coatings can aid in the destruction of airborne pathogens, such as those that cause Covid-19.

The UK Government doubled the size of the fund on 20th May 2020, as part of the Government’s package to deploy £1.25bn worth of funds to innovative businesses. Keronite’s projects have received wide acclaim from the Government’s innovation agency, including a project to bring particulate-reducing technologies to the brakes market.

Commenting on the successful award Robin Francis, Keronite’s Chief Technology Officer:

“We’re happy to announce that we’ve been awarded funding to develop antiviral surface coatings under the ‘Business-led response to Covid-19’ competition. Credit to InnovateUK for their rapid action in deploying funds to businesses that can actively help fight against Covid-19”

The Government’s full press release on the success of the project can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/40m-boost-for-cutting-edge-start-ups

Keronite’s advanced surface coating technology, plasma electrolytic oxidation, uniquely improves the performance of light alloys for numerous applications. The technology aids in the extension of component life, while reducing component weight and thus energy consumption.

For more detailed information about Keronite’s antiviral surface coating, please get in touch with a member of Keronite’s technical team.