Materials Innovation

The span of research covers a full range from short to long term delivery.


Short term activities are mostly focused on the investigation of the CCM (Continuous Compound Mixing) technology to improve tyre materials and mixing process, and prove the effectiveness of its industrial application.

Use of this technology has also led to the development of nanocomposite-based compounds with a polymeric matrix, which have found some application in components for broadband and mobile telecommunication.

The basic research on Telemedicine, namely the remote electrocardiography through a commercial mobile telecom network, has reached the phase of field trial on a significant population of patients in strict cooperation with an Italian medical research centre. Its commercial application is foreseen within 2006.

The research on substainable mobility, which started with air pollution monitoring, has been addressed to the development of a communication platform for Distributed Sensors Network and of a traffic sensor.

The development of innovative sensors technology, telecommunications and data-processing algorithms will make it possible to provide a fully integrated and low cost platform, enabling high added value services in the key area of mobility.

The Fuel Cells project continues to represent the core of medium-term research. Significant progress has been made in both Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) and Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM). The former has found exploitation in a partnership with Alberta Research Council to develop low power SOFC based on micro tubular design for protection of oil pipe-lines.

The latter has seen close cooperation with some players in consumer electronics for evaluating the Pirelli membrane. In addition, we are working toward the negotiation of a co-development agreement with top players in PEM Fuel Cells for developing the next generation PEM. Longer-term projects have been mainly focused on the study of neutrino transmission.

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