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For people, place, prosperity and planet, we deliver impact with measurement science

Research

Materials

We help UK industry to use materials effectively for business benefit

Improving our understanding of the characteristics and behaviours of materials can help industry improve mechanical performance, sustainability and corrosion resistance. Our experts are supporting a broad range of projects helping industry to increase productivity and efficiency, and develop new materials and products.

We work on the development of battery materials to accelerate the uptake of electric cars, test composites for higher performance infrastructure and work to make additive manufacturing more reliable. By ensuring that measurement standards and techniques keep pace with new technology, we can help bring new materials into commercial application faster.

By providing confidence in material performance and identifying opportunities to tailor properties in novel materials, our teams are also helping to unlock a range of engineering and manufacturing opportunities for UK businesses.

Take a look at the research we are doing.

Advanced engineering materials

We are using our century’s worth of materials testing expertise and knowledge to drive innovation and productivity in UK industry

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Dimensional metrology

We help organisations conform to precise dimensional requirements and help manufacturers develop, optimise and quality control their products

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Electrochemistry

We work to secure a sustainable energy infrastructure for tomorrow

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Electronic and magnetic materials

World-class electronics and magnetics experts help industry innovate with confidence.

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Graphene

Realising the potential of graphene and related 2D materials through our National Graphene Metrology Centre

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Surface technology

We measure the physical and chemical properties of surfaces on materials, ranging from biological samples to electronic components

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Case study

Spatially measuring the conductivity of hydrogen technology materials

Article

Case study

Demonstrating a quality control method for liquid dispersions of 2D materials

Article

Case study

Validating magnetic sensors for the oil and gas industry

Article