Chemicals and Materials Innovation Centre (CheMI Centre)

We collaborate closely with industry partners to drive innovation and leverage technology that supports Singapore’s manufacturing sector.

Our mission is to identify and develop new functionalities for specialty chemicals and advanced materials, contributing to the growth of the Energy and Chemicals sector outlined in Singapore’s Industry Transformation Map.

Over the years, the CheMI Centre — previously known as the New Materials Technology Centre (NMTC) — has partnered with government agencies and key initiatives, including the Totalisator Board (Tote Board), the Ministry of Education (MOE) Translation and Innovation Fund (TIF), the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Cluster (NAMIC), and the National Research Foundation (NRF). We have also worked with Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), Multinational Corporations (MNCs), Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs), and Research Laboratories to drive discovery, advancement, and the application of new technologies.

Smart materials: Thermally conductive injection moulded polymer

Our strategic focus

We develop core expertise in three key areas of specialty chemicals and advanced materials:

• Smart Materials Innovations

• Additive Manufacturing

• Specialty Chemicals and Analytical Techniques

Through these focus areas, we offer a range of collaboration opportunities at RP, including:

• Funded research projects

• Joint laboratories

• Consultancy services

• Student final-year projects

• Training, industry immersion, and skills development

• Staff industry associate schemes

• Industry events and technology showcases

Signing of memorandum of understanding between RP and Rolls Royce Singapore Pte. Ltd.

Research facilities and capabilities

Our laboratories at the RP School of Applied Science are fully equipped to support chemicals and materials research. Available equipment includes:

• Atomic force microscopes

• Composite repair hot bonders

• Extruders

• Field emission scanning electron microscopes

• Four-point probe resistivity testers

• Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry systems

• Hardness testers

• High-energy mechanical millers

• High-performance liquid chromatography systems

• High shear mixers and nanoparticle dispersers

• High-temperature furnaces (up to 1700°C)

• Hot-melt polymer mixers and hot presses

• Infra-red thermal analysers

• Injection moulding equipment

• Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry systems

• Lithography systems

• Particle size analysers

• Polarisation microscopes

• Polymer 3D printers

• Sol-gel processing equipment and spin coaters

• Thermal diffusivity and expansion analysers

• Thermal analysers (TGA, DSC, DMA)

• Universal tensile testing machines

• UV-visible spectrometers

Materials Innovation Hub (Mi Hub)

The Mi Hub offers a dynamic environment where students and researchers gain hands-on experience using technologies such as 3D printers, extruders, injection moulders, hot presses, and autonomous non-destructive testing equipment. The facility also supports industry collaborations through final-year projects, consultancy engagements, and funded research initiatives.

Take a 360° virtual tour of our lab.

Research areas

We pursue research in key materials science applications, including:

• Smart materials for agricultural use

• Functional materials for self-cleaning surfaces

• Additive manufacturing for polymers and composites

• Sustainable composites with sound absorption capabilities

• Sustainable materials for the packaging industry

• Novel materials for personal and home care products

Partner with us

We believe strong collaboration is essential for advancing innovation. At CheMI Centre, we work closely with industry partners, universities, and research institutions to develop new materials and specialty chemicals.

As a Conexus Centre at RP, we maintain active partnerships with government bodies and industry players to drive research and development. Our staff and students from the Diploma in Applied Chemistry regularly participate in national and international conferences, exhibitions, and industry fairs to share insights and foster collaboration.

We also publish our research through journals, patents, media reports, dissertations, and technical showcases. To protect commercial potential, all discoveries are secured before public disclosure.