Cooperation within the network of GE laboratories - E-TDC

Another stage of research work has begun at the Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering of the Silesian University of Technology in Katowice and in the Łukasiewicz Research Network - Institute of Ferrous Metallurgy in Gliwice. The research concerns advanced heat-resistant materials and protective coatings used in contemporary and future aircraft engine designs.

In April 2020, the Rector of the Silesian University of Technology, prof. Arkadiusz Mężyk signed an agreement on the accession of our university to the Group - European Technology Development Clusters - GE Research Network for European Technologies Development Clusters (E-TDC), a new research network sponsored by Avio Aero.

European Technology Development Clusters associate 25 research institutions and industrial entities in Italy, Poland and the Czech Republic.

- “The E-TDC research network is a significant extension of the Technology Development Centre (TDC) launched in 2016, which aimed at connecting and close cooperation of Avio Aero with seven best Italian universities and polytechnic universities” - said Dr Eng. Bogusław Mendala, prof. of Silesian University of Technology

- “Cooperation and belonging to the network of GE laboratories - E-TDC is very important to us, because it means the possibility of development, access to modern materials, creating synergies and the development of innovative technologies for aviation” - emphasized the scientist.

The new E-TDC group brings together the best European research institutes, academic centres and GE Aviation entities (General Electric Company Polska Sp. Z oo, Avio Aero, Polonia Aero), whose common goal is to conduct advanced, targeted research in the field of modern materials and structures, i.e. working to build the future of the aviation industry and meeting the challenges of e.g. decarbonisation.

- “The leader of the initiative is Avio Aero Italy, a company which is very keen on combining the best practices and scientific achievements of academia and industrial experience” - added Dr Eng. Bogusław Mendala, prof. of Silesian University of Technology

Currently, the next stage of research works is commenced at the Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering in Katowice and in the Łukasiewicz Research Network - Institute of Ferrous Metallurgy in Gliwice. They concern research on advanced heat-resistant materials and protective coatings used in contemporary and future aircraft engine designs.