Canada’s government is to invest up to $3.5 million into the research and development of new nanotechnology-based coatings to be used in the production of olefins - the building blocks of plastics, textiles, consumer goods and other chemicals.

This Technology Partnerships Canada (TPC) investment is part of a $12.2-million research and development initiative being undertaken by a Canadian consortium led by Edmonton-based Quantiam Technologies Inc.

Under this initiative, Quantiam, working with NOVA Chemicals Corporation, an olefins producer, will research, develop, and demonstrate the benefits of coatings aimed at reducing energy requirements for manufacturing olefins, and significantly reducing emissions of greenhouse gases. In particular, these coatings will enhance the olefins manufacturing process and protect against carbon deposits that negatively affect process results, equipment performance and plant energy efficiency.

The production of olefins, primarily ethylene and propylene, is an over $80 billion per year industry and it is growing. Worldwide demand is higher for this chemical group than for any other.