Innovation
The word ‘Innovation’ is a 21st Century buzzword that is currently used by politicians, entrepreneurs and the media as a route to improving economic growth. Innovation is about ‘doing something differently’ and there is a risk that your particular innovation may, or may not work or be successful. I have experienced both ‘ups and downs’ on my own innovation journey and looking back, have been happy with the overall success rate. But; you have to be prepared to face up to the fact that, for one reason or another successful innovation is not guaranteed!
Innovation is fun, very challenging and sometimes risky.
Innovation was central to much of the work carried out at Bristol, Sussex and Cambridge. Some of the key innovative technology stories are told below
High Modulus Polyethylene (HMP)
This story is worthy of a book or film and my own book High Tension has elements of the real world quest for a high modulus material. The actual story for the quest of HMP is told through photographs and presentations.
Find out more> High Modulus Polyethylene (HMP).
Oscillatory Flow Mixing (OFM)
This development started at Sussex University and then Cambridge. OFM is an alternative mixing technology utilising fluid oscillation within baffled tubes and has a range of potential applications.
Find out more> Oscillatory Flow Mixing (OFM)
Flexible Chocolate
In 1994 I discovered a way of “cold extruding” chocolate that could form complex shapes and possess temporary flexibility. The effect is demonstrated through movies and presentations.
Find out more> Flexible Chocolate.
Microcapillary Films (MCFs)
This innovation is concerned with “engineering voidage” into plastic films. The innovation came about in the 2000s following from past experience understanding the science of polymer melt processing.
Find out more> Microcapillary Films (MCFs)
Process intensification innovation
In 2012 I gave a presentation on Process Intensification in Korea. Process intensification and innovation are closely connected and so I have included the presentation below
Find out more> Process Intensification Korea 2012 (v2) (.pdf)