DSI/CSIR Nanomaterials Industry Development Facility (NIDF)
The Nanomaterials Industrial Development Facility (NIDF) is a platform designed to bridge the gap between laboratory scale research and development and industrial production in developing nanomaterials.
The NIDF focuses on scaling up and optimisation of chemical processes (general chemical processing including powder synthesis, polymer formulation and processing and cosmetics with special focus on materials development). NIDF makes use of nanotechnology as a key enabler where applicable to support SMMEs, industry and researchers to move from bench scale to pilot production. The NIDF facility has a pilot plant for chemical and polymer processing and can provide support in polymer and nano-material characterisation. Entrepreneurs and SMMEs accessing the facility can get support for product/technology development from concept phase to commercialisation phase (TRL 3 to TRL 9).
NIDF also assist with toll manufacturing as well as reverse engineering and produces nanomaterials in bulk for market and quality testing. The NIDF staffs experienced chemical engineers, polymer processing specialists, researchers and scientists, project managers available to support the SMMEs.