Abstract:
NZ Product Accelerator present findings, from industry engagements and research, on functionalization as an opportunity for NZ manufacturing industry. The relevant marker drivers and technologies are assessed to come up with suggested directions for future collaboration. The paper provides overviews of market drivers for surface functionalisation. Another overview on technologies in this area is also discussed. The current efforts by NZ Product Accelerator give a more detailed description of the technologies and the associated pulls. These technologies are in the areas of surface texturing, metal ion bonding, high performance membranes, innovative coatings, adhesive-free bonding, specialised composites and performance prediction. Findings from this review pointed to great opportunities in metal-polymer bonding, water-based coatings, heat transfer surfaces, membranes and anti-microbial solutions. Inputs from the research and industry communities are sought to confirm our findings.