Aircraft

Coatings technology development is to get a Canadian government loan of just over C$360,000 ($325,000) to achieve improved anti-wear and anti-corrosion properties.

Toronto-based Sputtek will invest more than C$800,000 itself and receive the loan from the government's Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative (SADI). Sputtek will design, develop and apply tribological coatings on a wide range of materials to reduce friction and wear. It will also improve the efficiency of the depositing process for these coatings.

"Innovative research and development is the foundation of business success," says Sputtek president Rosen Tovbin. "The government of Canada's investment will help us better meet the needs of the aerospace and defence sectors."

Launched in April 2007 SADI supports industrial research and pre-competitive development projects in the aerospace, defence, space and security industries.

Sputtek collaborates with McMaster University to develop coatings for academic and scientific purposes. The company wants to develop a new generation of coatings with better adhesion and durability, increased hardness and reduced cost.