Ionix Advanced Technologies Limited announces further funding, new staff and space additions.
Ionix Advanced Technologies Limited, a company specialising in high performance piezoelectric materials and devices, announced this month that it had received further funding from IP Group plc to continue the commercialisation of a range of sensors, actuators and transducer devices based on its novel high-temperature piezoelectric materials, used in NDT inspection and ultrasonic applications.
Sensors, actuators and transducers operating in extreme environments
Ionix’s materials and devices have the potential to offer significant cost and energy savings, by allowing more efficient and reliable process and inspection operations in extreme environments, where existing technology is unable to operate effectively.
Ionix is initially targeting applications where high temperature operation, up to 500 degrees C, provides a capability not offered by conventional piezoelectric devices. Initial target markets for these high temperature devices include industrial plant process, aerospace, oil and gas, and nuclear power, and represent a total market potential in excess of £500m per annum.
Our CEO Dr David Astles explains: “This additional funding from the IP Group serves to underline the progress we have made since the beginning of the year and the potential of Ionix’s technology to create value and solve problems for its clients. The funds will allow us to further build our resource and capability to meet the opportunities ahead”.
Ionix technical team grows
Ionix has also added two new recruits to its technical team, and is delighted to announce the arrival of Dr Peter Cowin, who has recently completed his PhD at the University of Strathclyde where he worked on the development of novel materials for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells, and Daniel Cox, who has recently been awarded a 1st class honours degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Huddersfield.
Expanded ceramic production
Reporting to Tim Comyn, CTO of Ionix, Peter will be responsible for developing Ionix’s internal ceramic production capability and Daniel will be a member of this team.
At the same time, Ionix has opened up new dedicated laboratory space to support its material and device development and production facilities. This also involves the installation of milling, grinding, pressing and screen printing capabilities to expand ceramic production, and enable increase capability to develop sub-assemblies and complete piezo devices.
