E4 Mistra has been given the green light for a second phase. The recent assessment determined that the program's research results have a “very strong potential for industrial application" and a “very good chance to be of practical use." But the program was simultaneously criticized for poor communication practices.“Yes, it is clear that we always can do more, but I also think that a great deal was accomplished. Participants in the program have presented research results at both national and international conferences and regularly under the direction of KCK (Competence Center for Catalysis at Chalmers University in Gothenburg). KCK organizes seminars every three weeks during which our scientists often are involved presenting results at. That those researchers who were evaluated don´t know this should be more embarrassing for them," says program manager Heije Westberg.
According to her, Mistra´s call for dissemination of results can sometimes collide with the interests of co-financiers.
“Why should the industry talk about their latest development project?" is a question she asks herself.
E4's cooperation with Höganäs in a particle filter is the result of what Heije Westberg believes is its ability to reach industrial application first. Currently, there are discussions regarding this between Höganäs and Volvo Powertrain. The future of the results from other projects is more difficult to analyze.
“If Volvo Powertrain finds the results interesting enough, they will be closer to industrialization. But it takes a long time. However, Volvo Powertrain will determine what will be commercialized," says Heije Westberg.
Thermoelectric Materials Are on the Way
E4 is also working on thermoelectric materials, which Heije Westberg says are sure to be on the market within 10 to 15 years. But if this will be Mistra´s initiative or someone else´s is uncertain.
This is the situation for many of E4's research areas. Among current trials showing positive results are the experiments with HC SCR (catalytic NOx reduction using a hydrocarbon as an additive), with a conversion rate of over 80 percent. Yet it is far off until it is even tested in the field, which is only one step toward industrialization.
All areas within the program received very high ratings in the scientific evaluation, between 4 and 4.5 on a 5-point scale. However, the research on particle filters was only given a 3.
“We laughed a little when we saw this. There has been no scientific advancement on it, and there was never an ambition for it to be. It is part of phase two to apply the active material in the filters," explained Heije Westberg.
There are still more negotiations to be conducted, including with other co-financiers, before phase two of E4 begins.
