The plastics industry has been boosted by the opening of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Nanomaterials Industrial Development Facility in Pretoria.
The facility, launched by science and technology minister Naledi Pandor yesterday (Thursday), is one of the five programmes funded by DST through CSIR as part of the Industrial Innovation Partnership Fund (IIPF), which seeks to support industry competitiveness.
The facility will help the plastics industry to develop new nanotechnologies and processes and provides the capabilities for the industrial-scale production of nano-structured materials.
Speaking at the launch, CSIR chief executive officer, Dr Sibusiso Sibisi, said: “The addition of nanomaterials in the manufacturing of plastics can significantly enhance the mechanical properties of plastics. Plastics can, for example, be made stronger, lighter and more fire and ultraviolet resistant.”
According to him, CSIR performs research to stimulate and improve the country’s competitiveness and contribute to the economy. He pointed out that the international market in nanomaterials was growing rapidly and demand was increasing.
“In South Africa, the total plastic consumption is in the order of 1.3 million metric tonnes or R35 billion per annum, and accounts for an estimated 3.2% of the manufacturing sector,” said Sibisi.
