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Chemicals and Materials Innovation Centre (CheMI Centre) 

The Chemicals and Materials Innovation Centre (CheMI Centre) at Republic Polytechnic (RP) is focused on applied research and development of chemicals and materials, in collaboration with industry through innovation and the use of technology to support Singapore’s manufacturing sector.

CheMI Centre is committed to identify and develop new functionalities for novel specialty chemicals and advanced materials, which is vital to the Energy and Chemicals sector under the Singapore’s Industry Transformation Map. 

Over the years, the CheMI Centre (previously New Materials Technology Centre, NMTC) has worked on several government-related companies/ projects such as the Totalisator Board (Tote Board), Ministry of Education (MOE) Translation and Innovation Fund (TIF), National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Cluster (NAMIC) and National Research Foundation (NRF). We have also hosted other funded programmes in collaboration with Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), Multi-National Corporations (MNCs), Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) and Research Laboratories for the discovery, advancement and implementation of new technologies.

 
NMTC

Smart materials: Thermally conductive injection moulded polymer

Chemicals and Materials Innovation Centre (CheMI Centre) 

Strategic Goals

CheMI Centre aims to develop core competencies in the following frontiers of specialty chemicals and advanced materials:

  • Smart Materials Innovations
  • Additive Manufacturing
  • Specialty Chemicals and Analytical Techniques

CheMI Centre administers, facilitates and/or markets chemicals and materials research, science and engineering activities, and support IP creation and value generation through customised solutions at RP via:

  • Funded projects
  • Joint laboratories
  • Consultancy projects
  • Student final year projects
  • Student learning, training and industry immersion
  • Staff industry associate scheme
  • Industry events and technology showcases

RR

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

Capabilities for Chemicals and Materials Research

At RP School of Applied Science, our laboratories are equipped to support the curriculum delivery of chemicals and materials research in these areas:

  • Atomic force microscope

  • Composite repair hot bonders

  • Extruder

  • Field emission scanning electron microscope

  • Four-point probe resistivity

  • Gas chromatography

  • Gas chromatography mass spectrometry

  • Hardness tester

  • High energy mechanical miller

  • High performance liquid chromatography

  • High shear mixer/disperser for nano-particles

  • High temperature (1200 - 1700oc) for furnaces 

  • Hot-melt polymer mixer 

  • Hot press 

  • Infra-red thermal analyser

  • Injection moulding equipment 

  • Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry

  • Lithography systems

  • Particle size analyser

  • Polarisation microscope

  • Polymer 3D printers

  • Sol-gel processing equipment and spin coater

  • Thermal diffusivity analyser

  • Thermal expansion coefficient analyser

  • Thermal analysers (TGA, DSC, DMA) 

  • Universal tensile testing machine

  • UV-visible spectrometers 

Materials Innovation Hub (Mi Hub)

The Mi Hub provides learning spaces for students to explore hands-on activities through operating equipment like the 3D printers, extruders, injection moulder, hot presses, and autonomous non-destructive testing. It is adequately equipped to support industry projects and collaborations through student final year projects, consultancy as well as funded projects.

Experience our lab in a 360° virtual tour below!

Research Areas

  • Smart materials for agriculture applications
  • Functional materials development for self-cleaning
  • Additive manufacturing for polymers and composites
  • Sustainable composites with sound absorption properties
  • Sustainable materials for packaging industry
  • Novel materials for personal care and home care applications

Partner us! 

Maintaining an excellent partnership with the industry, universities and research institutions has always been a primary mission for CheMI Centre.

As one of the Conexus centres in RP, the CheMI Centre works closely with the government and the industry on research and development.

In meeting the objective to deliver an internationally recognised and industry-relevant curriculum, staff and students from the Diploma in Applied Chemistry team have been participating in national and international conferences/meetings, industry fairs, and actively seeking collaboration with the materials and specialty chemicals community.

CheMI Centre circulates the results of our research endeavours via journals, patents, media reports, dissertations, talks and showcases at technical meetings. Discoveries and inventions with commercial potential are protected prior to public disclosure.


Interested in working with us? 

If you are keen to explore opportunities in developing specialty chemicals and advanced materials  with us, please contact us.