AI Intrusion Detection and Prevention System
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face many of the same cyber threats as large organisations, including ransomware, distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks and data breaches. Affordable and easy-to-use solutions are therefore essential to help businesses safeguard their data, assets and operations while focusing on growth and innovation.
Industry Challenges
Enterprisegrade cybersecurity solutions can be costly and difficult to deploy, leaving many SMEs dependent on basic security tools that may not provide comprehensive protection.
Major Benefits
The AI-powered cybersecurity solution incorporates an intrusion detection system (IDS) that continuously monitors network traffic for suspicious activity, and an intrusion prevention system (IPS) that blocks threats in real time.
Automatic updates ensure protection against emerging cyber threats.
Through secure threat intelligence sharing across the network, it strengthens collective defence against evolving cyber risks.
Application Areas
Hong Kong Telecom (HKT) applies ASTRI’s patented AI Intrusion Detection and Prevention System to its 2500MB broadband service, developing an AI Firewall service tailored for SMEs.
Offered as a fully managed service, supporting by HKT’s Network Operations Centre, the AI Firewall provides round-the-clock protection for businesses without requiring dedicated IT resources.
Collaborator(s)
Long-Life Battery Powers Trolley Trackers in Hong Kong International Airport
We have developed an innovative self-powered asset tracker with its long-life extreme temperature battery, providing full coverage and real-time monitoring of baggage trolleys locations in the Hong Kong International Airport. This solution contributes to the development of smart airports.
Industry Challenges
- Lack of reliable energy solution in the market to support longer term and stable operation of asset trackers
Major Benefits
- Extreme temperature: can operate from -40°C to 85°C
- Integrated with weak-light-efficient solar panel: for battery charging
- Extended service life: extended significantly to 2 - 5 years
- Successful trial: proof-of-concept trial completed
- Scale-up plan: potentially scaled up for use on other baggage trolleys in the airport
Application Areas
- Monitoring locations of baggage trolleys and other properties including dollies, wheelchairs and tensile barriers indoors and outdoors of airports
Collaborator(s)
Award(s)
High-Strength Lightweight Concrete Transforms Modular Integrated Construction
This high-strength lightweight concrete has been applied in hybrid steel-concrete modular integrated construction (MiC) system. This application accelerates housing supply through shortened construction time and advances sustainable construction practices while improving resident experience.
Industry Challenges
- Heavy, inefficient concrete slows modular construction and raises costs
Major Benefits
- Faster build: 40% lighter, cuts construction time by 20–30%
- Lower cost: saves on transport and handling
- Space-saving: strong enough for direct wall-mounted fixtures
- Energy-saving: 3× insulation to reduce electricity consumption
- Proven use: applied in 10-storey MiC elderly housing project
Application Areas
- Public and private residential buildings
- Light Public Housing
Collaborator(s)
Award(s)
Next-Gen Immersion Coolant Slashes Cooling Costs while Enhancing System Stability
Our high-performance two-phase immersion coolant ensures stable operation and longer equipment life. Trial use of this innovative coolant at Civil Aviation Department’s Control Tower Simulator had achieved 25% cooling energy savings under various testing environments. Our high-performance two-phase immersion coolant has strong potential for expansion to other large-scale systems.
Industry Challenges
- Traditional air cooling for high-performance computers and servers suffers from poor heat transfer efficiency, leading to high energy consumption
Major Benefits
- High heat transfer rate and effective heat dissipation
- Safe and reliable: no flash point and non-flammable
- Reduced energy consumption & cost: save cooling energy up to 25% compared with air cooling system in data centres under various testing environments
- Improved power usage effectiveness (PUE): improve PUE to 1.03
Application Areas
- Control Tower Simulator
- High-performance computing systems
- Cloud and enterprise data centres
Collaborator(s)
Award(s)
Biocide-Free Plastic Bottles Ensures Safe and Clean Drinking
This germ-repellent plastics prevent microbes from adsorbing and colonising on the bottle surfaces, thus avoiding cross-transmission of germs. Plastic drinking bottles for multiple brands have been manufactured, with sales exceeding 250,000 units, enhancing user well-being through a cleaner drinking experience and meeting the growing demand for health-conscious products.
Industry Challenges
- Traditional antibacterial plastics rely on biocides, which may release leachables during use and also lead to biocide resistance
- Growing consumers’ demand for safe and sustainable alternatives with effective antibacterial properties
Major Benefits
- Biocide-free: do not give rise to biocide-resistant “super-bugs”
- Food-contact safe: comply with FDA, EU, and LFGB food grade safety standards, non-toxic and leachable-free
- Durable and reusable: long-lasting antibacterial performance
- Negligible change in physical properties: large flexibility for product design
- No additional investment: seamless integration into current manufacturing processes
Application Areas
- Reusable drinking bottles
Collaborator(s)
Award(s)
Nanofibre Mask Offers Protection and Comfort for Healthcare Workers
This breathable and bactericidal N95 nanofibre facemask, combining high protection and comfort, was adopted by the Hospital Authority during the pandemic. Over 20 million masks were supplied to frontline healthcare workers, ensuring utmost and timely protection.
Industry Challenges
- Severe global shortage of masks during the pandemic left healthcare workers inadequately protected
- Traditional N95 masks have high breathing resistance, causing discomfort during extended wear
Major Benefits
- High comfort: light weight and high breathability
- High protection: kill bacteria on contact, trap over 99% of viruses and filter majority of airborne particulates
- N95 qualified: meets N95 standards for filtration and protection
Application Areas
- Protective mask
Collaborator(s)
Award(s)
Firm-to-Soft Intelligent Floor Mat for Fall Injury Prevention Safeguards Wellbeing
Our intelligent floor mat automatically transits between “firm state” for sufficient support and soft state" for optimal impact absorption to prevent fall injuries. These mats are currently installed in various training centres and hostels operated by local social welfare organisations."
Industry Challenges
- Current floor mats lack the ability to balance impact protection and stability, especially in environments requiring long-term safety and durability
Major Benefits
- Better impact protection: provides twice the cushioning effect compared to conventional mats
- Enhanced stability: supports safe walking and withstands wheelchair traffic
- Reduced trip hazards: 50% thinner than standard mats, minimising tripping risks
- Eliminated slip risk: excellent slip resistance for safer movement
- High safety performance: flame retardant and odourless for added safety
- Minimum maintenance requirements: durable with a lifespan of over 5 years
Application Areas
- Protective floor mats for the elderly and children in household environments
- Protective flooring in elderly homes, rehabilitation centres and hostels
Collaborator(s)
Award(s)
Microalgae Green Wall Freshens Air While Decorating Spaces
Our microalgae air purification system effectively removes carbon dioxide (CO₂) in indoor and outdoor environments. Integrated into aesthetic green walls, this sustainable eco-friendly solution has been deployed in various locations in Hong Kong, including private offices and government buildings, providing both fresh air and aesthetic benefits.
Industry Challenges
- Lack of sustainable and efficient CO₂ air purification system in the market
Major Benefits
- Efficient CO₂ removal: ≥80% CO₂ consumption
- Eco-friendly: carbon-capture solution
- Combine functionality and aesthetic benefits: integrated with vegetation
Application Areas
- Indoor environments, including office, theatres, lobby, and smoking room
- Outdoor environments, including car park, bus stop, and building façade
Collaborator(s)
eMuscle Brings Innovative Designs for Toys
Utilising our eMuscle material, MagiCurl™ elastomer filaments brings a revolutionary series of toy dolls to life. These toys enable children to design hairstyles freely, inspiring their creativity through imaginative play. MagiCurl™ has been launched in over 30 countries, with over 1,000,000 sets sold worldwide.
Industry Challenges
- Lack of memory shaping materials with reversible shapes controllable in safe operating temperature in the market
Major Benefits
- Elastic material: MagiCurl™ filaments can be stretched into customisable spiral shapes
- Smart recovery: at controlled temperature, the material reverts to its original straight state
- Toy development: MagiCurl™ features doll’s hair in a new series of dolls
- Safe design: easy for children to control with temperature-safe operation
- Unlimited creativity: enable countless hairstyle possibilities
Application Areas
- Dolls series
Collaborator(s)
Award(s)
Germ-Repellent Liquid Silicone Rubber (GRSR) for Baby Products
We have developed a toxin-free, germ-repellent liquid silicone rubber (GRSR) using germ-repellent modifiers. Unlike conventional toxic biocides that kill bacteria to minimise bacterial growth, GRSR prevents bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation for bacterial propagation, offering a safer and oral microbiome-friendly solution for baby products. The technology mitigates concerns about antimicrobial resistance and superbug formation. It demonstrates over 99% germ-repellent efficacy, and its anti-fouling function is well maintained even after 270 washing cycles.
Industry Challenges
- Concerns over antimicrobial resistance and durability in antibacterial materials for baby products
Major Benefits
- Superior germ-repellent efficacy: effectively repels over 99% of germs without killing them
- Wash durability: maintains over 95% efficacy even after 270 washing cycles
- Toxin-free and biosafety: free from biocides and metal ions; safe for oral microbiome
- High transparency: retains clarity and colour stability over time
- Cost-effective: adds minimal cost impact to final product manufacturing
Application Areas
- Baby products
- Food packaging
- Lunch boxes
Collaborator(s)
Award(s)
Low Energy Curable Paper Varnish with High Abrasion Resistance
We partnered with Leo Paper Bags Manufacturing (1982) Limited to develop a next-generation UV LED varnish tailored for varnish topcoat application. Leveraging our proprietary nCoating technology, we enhanced Leo Paper’s varnish formulation to deliver superior abrasion resistance and improved folding performance which is low energy curable to achieve a green and sustainable solution.
Industry Challenges
- Conventional UV varnish required high energy in curing
- Market available varnish with poor abrasion resistance and low folding ability
Major Benefits
- Improve abrasion resistance: offering superior abrasion resistance, the varnish coating eliminates the need for additional protective films during packaging and transportation
- Low energy Curable: by utilising our advanced UV LED curable formulation, energy consumption is reduced by more than 60%, delivering significant efficiency gains and lower carbon emission
- Improve folding ability: with the nCoating units to facilitate higher folding ability of the UV-LED varnish
- Repulp-able: our advanced varnish will not affect the repulp-ability of the paper
Application Areas
- Books
- Paper product packaging
- Gift cards
Collaborator(s)
Water-soluble Nano-curcumin Supplement Powder
Curcumin, the bioactive compound in turmeric, provides strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. However, most existing products suffer from poor absorption due to extremely low water solubility. Our breakthrough technology employs supercritical CO₂ and food-grade peptides to create fully water-soluble nano-complexes without synthetic additives. The dual-peptide encapsulation forms instantly dissolving powder with full bioavailability. It delivers superior absorption, lower dosage needs, and crystal-clear, tasteless solutions. This natural, scalable platform offers the first commercially viable water-soluble curcumin, transforming an ineffective supplement into a potent, consumer-friendly health product.
Industry Challenges
- Poor bioavailability crisis: traditional curcumin supplements suffer from less than 1% absorption due to water insolubility, forcing consumers to take ineffective mega-doses while experiencing minimal therapeutic benefits despite scientific evidence of curcumin's powerful health properties
Major Benefits
- Crystal-clear transparency: dissolves instantly creating transparent solutions without cloudiness
- Enhanced bioavailability: transforms minimally-absorbed curcumin into highly bioavailable therapeutic nano-complexes
- Clean-label natural: uses only Food-grade peptides eliminating synthetic surfactants and additives
- Cost-effective manufacturing: competitive production costs enable widespread mass-Market adoption globally
Application Areas
- Premium supplement industry
- Functional beverages
- Fortified Food products
Collaborator(s)
GDD Probiotics
GDD Probiotics combine clinically validated probiotic strains with their specific prebiotics, encapsulated within our tailored polymeric shells. This advanced core-shell system shields probiotics against gastric acid and bile, ensuring they reach the intestine alive and capable of effective colonization to support gut health. When taken together with soybean isoflavones, GDD Probiotics facilitate a unique biotransformation that converts them into more bioavailable forms, improving absorption and promoting additional benefits for women’s health and long-term wellness.
Industry Challenges
- Low survival rate of probiotics in digestive tract; unclear labelling; lack of synergistic prebiotics
Major Benefits
- High survival rate: Increases the survival rate of active probiotics by tenfold
- Clinically validated strains: LP299v、NCFM、HN001
- Higher colonisation: 2x probiotics adhere to epitelial
- Novel Prebiotics: Probiotics proliferate ~35 times
- Soybean nutritional conversion: Easier to absorb isoflavones by ~2.5 times
Application Areas
- supplement
- Dried nuts and fruits
- Bakery products
Collaborator(s)
Award(s)
True∙Live Pet Probiotics
True∙Live Pet Probiotics feature clinically validated probiotic strains (Lactobacillus acidophilus D2, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG) encapsulated within our tailored polymeric shells. This advanced core-shell system protects the probiotics from gastric acid and bile, ensuring their survival and effective intestinal colonisation. The formulation supports gut health, immune function, skin health, with novel prebiotics enhance probiotic growth by more than 130-fold.
Industry Challenges
- Ensuring probiotics survive in gastric conditions; maintaining microbiota balance in pets; addressing digestive and skin health issues
Major Benefits
- Enhanced survival: more than 2 billion live probiotics delivered
- Clinically validated strains: Lactobacillus acidophilus D2, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG
- Higher colonisation: 3x probiotics adhere to epithelial
- Novel Prebiotics: probiotics proliferate 130 times
- Improves intestinal flora: promote bifidobacteria and lactobacilli growth in the gut
Application Areas
- Pet nutrition
- Veterinary health
- Functional Pet foods
Collaborator(s)
Award(s)
Plasma-Driven Catalysis (PDC) for Air Purification
Unlike traditional plasma air purification technology that generates many harmful by-products, our novel plasma-driven catalysis (PDC) technology features high purification efficiencies without harmful by-products. This air cleaning technology enables deep purification of whole range of air pollutants like VOCs, bacteria and viruses, and mould. Our air purification technology can be used for standalone air purifiers or integrated with HVAC and AHU system.
Industry Challenges
- Air purification efficiency low
- High concentration of by-products
- High energy consumption
- High footprint
Major Benefits
- High air purification efficiency: VOCs removal rate >90%, Bacteria and viruses removal rate >99%, Mold resistance rate >90%
- Minimum by-products: Ozone concentration <5ppb
- Energy saving: >90% saving compared to conventional activated carbon air purification technology
- Space saving: >70% saving compared to conventional activated carbon air purification technology
Application Areas
- Public bathroom, refuse collection
- Stadium, theatre, hotel, shopping mall, casino
- Sewage facilities
Collaborator(s)
MiSmartLink – Smarter Wall Connection for MiC Construction
MiSmartLink is a patented wall connection system developed to enhance the construction efficiency of modular integrated construction (MiC) (Patent Code: HK30063896; ZL202220932819.1). It simplifies how concrete walls are connected, making the building process easier. This system is designed to reduce construction complexity and increase usable building space.
Industry Challenges
- Conventional concrete MiC requires thick walls and a complex rebar fixing process that slow down installation and reduce usable floor area
- Conventional methods require workers to access the sides of wall panels and perform tasks indoors, which can be difficult and time-consuming on tight construction sites
Major Benefits
- Slimmer Wall Design: MiSmartLink enables thinner structural walls, reducing thickness from 350mm to 250mm, which can create more usable space inside the buildings
- Stronger and Safer: lab tests show that MiSmartLink walls can handle about 10% more load than traditional walls of the same thickness
- Faster Installation: all connection work can be done from the top of the module’s roof, with no need for side access or interior work, making it ideal for dense urban sites
Application Areas
- Public and private residential buildings
- Light Public Housing
Collaborator(s)
Low-Temperature Sintering and Superconductive Nano-Ag Die-Attach Paste
We have developed a cutting-edge Nano-Ag super conductive silver die-attach material, that boasts a remarkable thermal conductivity of over 200W/m.K and strong bonding shear strength, with an innovative material formula that utilises silver nanoparticles and a controlled low-temperature pressureless sintering process. Compared to conventional die-attach adhesives and solders, this material's low sintering temperature and exceptional thermal conductivity can significantly enhance the performance and reliability of 3rd generation semiconductor power electronics. As a result, it presents vast opportunities for applications in various fields such as 5G communication, energy, electric vehicles, and more.
Industry Challenges
- Traditional die-attach materials lack the thermal performance and reliability for advanced power electronics
Major Benefits
- Low-temp sintering: enables efficient, stress-free bonding
- High thermal conductivity: 200 W/m·K for superior heat dissipation
- Reliable performance: strong bonding and stability under stress
Application Areas
- Die bonding material between chip and substrate
- Sintering material in electric vehicle
- High-performance lead frame package
Collaborator(s)
Hard nCoating for Multiple Substrates
We have developed flexible, transparent hard nCoating inorganic/organic hybrid materials for various substrates. By virtue of the functional group design, the hard nCoating materials are synthesised for the application for flexible substrate hard coatings, and rigid substrate coatings to improve the surface hardness. The hard nCoating materials are synthesised by sol-gel method and subsequent modification reaction. The transparency, bending flexibility, anti-scratchness, omniphobic function, or hydrophilic feature can be designed and incorporated into the hard nCoating materials, therefore it can potentially be used in wide application areas, such as foldable screen protection, anti-smudge protection film, and hard coating protection on photosensitive drum.
Industry Challenges
- The market demands transparent coatings that are both flexible and protective
Major Benefits
- Flexible hard coating: suitable for curved and bendable surfaces
- High transparency: maintains clear visual quality
- Scratch-resistant: enhances surface durability
Application Areas
- Anti-scratch polymer film
- Abrasion resistant optical devices
- Anti-scratch transparent products
Collaborator(s)
Award(s)
Wrinkle Resistant and High Contrast Flexible Screen Material for Spontaneous Pop-Up Display
We have developed a new flexible optical polymer material for the large, fully collapsible, wrinkle-free screen with high resolution for a portable display. The material has a dynamic crosslinking structure which contributes to its high resilience, making the screen wrinkle-resistant. High reflective index transparent additives are utilised to manipulate the optical paths for high resolution, hotspot reduction, and wider viewing angles. Optical additives such as light-selective nanoparticles and colour additives are also adopted to sharpen the peak wavelength and inhibit the impact of ambient light. The synergy effect resulted in contrast ratio improvement.
Industry Challenges
- Current portable display materials struggle to balance flexibility, image quality, and durability, limiting their usability in compact and collapsible formats
Major Benefits
- Wrinkle-free screen: enables large, smooth projection surfaces over 24 inches
- High-resolution and brightness: achieves up to 2K resolution with reduced hotspots
- Sharp color: enhanced contrast ratio (>10) for vivid image clarity
- Wide viewing angle: offers nearly 180° visibility for immersive viewing
- Soft and flexible: lightweight and bendable material suitable for portable use
- Low cost: cost-effective solution for high-performance display applications
Application Areas
- Advertisement board
- Home theater screen
- Building projection
Collaborator(s)
Award(s)
Ultralight and Ultrawarm Sustainable Aerogel Fibre
Our ultralight and ultrawarm aerogel fibres have high air porosities, are nanoporous, and are fabricated using sustainable resources. These fibres, along with wool fibres, can be knitted into lightweight fabric to provide extraordinary thermal insulation performance for outdoor clothing and performance active wear in cold and extreme weather conditions.
Industry Challenges
- Wool fabrics are heavy and lose warmth when wet
Major Benefits
- Lighter & warmer: 30% lighter, 40% warmer than wool
- Stays warm when wet: maintains insulation in damp conditions
Application Areas
- Outdoor fashion garment and performance active wear applications in cold and extreme weather conditions
Award(s)
Drain-On-Demand Lithium Battery for Long-Life IoT Devices
We have developed an energy-dense non-rechargeable lithium battery specially designed for high-power and long-life IoT devices. It provides extreme low self-discharge, close-to-theoretical capacity even after long-term storage, and high power under high discharge current, which are enabled by drain-on-demand passivation coating and pore manipulation carbon materials introduced inside the battery.
Industry Challenges
- Existing batteries lack the power and longevity needed for advanced IoT devices
Major Benefits
- Ultralow self-discharge: extends battery life and reduces maintenance needs
- Reliable power after storage: performs strongly even after long periods of inactivity
- High current output: powers demanding devices with consistent energy delivery
Application Areas
- Wireless logistic trackers
- Smart meters
- eCall In-vehicle system backup battery
- Wireless IoT sensors
Collaborator(s)
Award(s)
Germ-Repellent Bathroom Fixtures
We have applied our patented biocide-free germ-repellent technology to bathroom fixtures. This technology inhibits microbial growth on plastic surfaces by preventing their initial surface attachment and subsequent colonisation, to avoid cross-transmission of germs in a warm and humid bathroom environment. Germ-repellent technology is built-in to materials, non-toxic, leach-free, and has a long-lasting performance.
Industry Challenges
- Bathroom environments are warm and humid, making plastic surfaces prone to microbial growth and cross-contamination
- Conventional antimicrobial solutions may leach chemicals or degrade over time
Major Benefits
- Built-in germ-repellent property without leachables: prevents microbial attachment and colonisation directly on the surface
- Biocides-free, non-toxic and skin-contact safe: safe for daily use without harmful additives
- Negligible change in physical properties of products: maintains original material performance and appearance
- Long lasting performance: provides durable antimicrobial protection over time
Application Areas
- Toilet seat
- Waste trap
- Accessories including cistern, flush valve and toilet roll holder
- Shower head
Collaborator(s)
Award(s)
Nano-EO Skin-Nourishing and Antimicrobial Technology
Our alcohol-free handrub sanitises and nourishes our hands simultaneously. Essential oils (EO) are formulated by nanotechnology into a Nano-EO system and delivered to the skin through water-based nano carriers. It not only relieves skin dryness and tightness, but also leaves a natural and fresh scent.
Industry Challenges
- Most handrub products rely on alcohol for antimicrobial effectiveness, which can cause skin dryness, irritation, and leave unpleasant odours or stickiness after use
Major Benefits
- Skin-nourishing, water-locking and extra moisturising: relieves dryness and tightness
- Fast-acting and prolonged antibacterial and anti-viral performance: provides over 99.9% effectiveness
- Alcohol-free and non-tacky after use: leaves skin feeling fresh
- Available in different essential oil scents: offers a pleasant and natural fragrance experience
Application Areas
- Hand
- Clothing
- Hard surface
Washable Antiviral and Antibacterial Textiles
Our washable antimicrobial textile is the result of surface modification of finished fibres with covalently bonded antimicrobial agents, in contrast to the traditional physical coating on fibres. Our textile has outstanding virucidal performance against viruses. The finish is durable against multiple laundry cycles, and will not change the colour fastness and touch feel of the finished fabric.
Industry Challenges
- Conventional antimicrobial fabric treatments lack virucidal efficacy and durability after washing
Major Benefits
- Virucidal performance: effective against influenza and coronaviruses
- Wash durability: maintains performance after 50+ home laundry cycles
- Fabric-friendly: no impact on colour fastness or touch feel
- Safe & green: non-toxic and environmentally friendly
- Manufacturing-ready: compatible with existing textile production processes
Application Areas
- Garment products
- Home textiles
- Medical textiles
Long Lasting Battery for High Power IoT Devices
We have developed a series of long lasting batteries for IoT devices with double battery life. The battery pack has an extreme low self-discharge current down to 1.5µA at room temperature which enables the battery pack to keep over 85% of its capacity after 5-year storage and possesses a wide operation temperature from -40 to 85°C.
Industry Challenges
- Battery lifespan and replacement costs limit IoT scalability
Major Benefits
- Efficient power output: supports continuous, reliable IoT performance
- Stable voltage: maintains 3.4V during data transmission to reduce signal loss
- High pulse current: delivers up to 5A for peak power needs
- Cost-effective: doubles battery life, lowering total cost
- Safe and versatile: operates from -40°C to 85°C with flexible form factor
Application Areas
- Emergency call system in automotive
- Outdoor IoT equipment
- IoT sensors for smart city
- Facility deterioration diagnosis in industrial plant
- Equipment and asset tracking
Collaborator(s)
Award(s)
Nano-Modified Cementitious Penetrating Crystalline Waterproofing Coating
We have developed a nano-modified cementitious penetrating crystalline waterproofing material (PCCW), which can deeply penetrate the concrete and form millions of needle-like crystalline microstructure to repair and seal the micro-cracks.
Industry Challenges
- Water pressure from behind makes negative side waterproofing difficult
Major Benefits
- Penetrates deeply: seals concrete’s capillaries and micro-cracks
- Adheres to wet surfaces: 1.5MPa bonding strength
- Resists extreme pressure: withstands up to 140m hydrostatic pressure
- Highly compatible: low alkali corrosion; works with other coatings
- Eco-safe: non-toxic and environmentally friendly
- Simple to apply: brush or roll directly onto concrete
Application Areas
- Building: basement, washroom, kitchen, bathroom, celling, roof, balcony, swimming pool, fountain, elevator shaft, etc.
- Infrastructure: tunnel, dam, underground building, bridge, waste water treatment system, chemical plant, etc.
Collaborator(s)
Ultralight Graphite-Metal Composite Materials for Super High Thermal Conductivity
By optimising material formulation and adopting well-designed sintering process, we have successfully developed a lightweight graphite-metal composite, which is 2 to 3 times lighter than pure copper, and with 1.5 times higher thermal conductivity (650W/mK).
Industry Challenges
- Conventional heatsinks are heavy and thermally limited for 5G use
Major Benefits
- Ultra lightweight: 2–3× lighter than copper
- High thermal conductivity: up to 650 W/m·K for efficient heat dissipation
- Easy post-processing: compatible with standard finishing methods
Application Areas
- Mobile phone base stations
- 5G wireless systems
- Power electronic devices
Collaborator(s)
Award(s)
Highly Efficient Photocatalytic Oxidation (PCO) Coating/Filter for Air Purifier
We have developed a mesoporous TiO₂ photocatalytic coating immobilised on a 3D porous filter installed in an air purifier. This developed photocatalytic air filters in an air purifier are more effective because it can offer more active sites for carrying out catalytic reactions in air purification and antimicrobial, such as viruses, bacteria, and mold.
Industry Challenges
- Traditional air purification methods often transfer pollutants rather than eliminate them, and may produce harmful by-products like ozone
Major Benefits
- Kills bacteria and viruses without releasing ozone or harmful substances: the mesoporous TiO₂ photocatalytic coating enables safe and effective disinfection
- High filtration efficiency: removes 90% of nitric oxide and 99.9% of formaldehyde within one hour
Application Areas
- Any indoor air circulation, conditioning, and purification appliances. e.g. air purifiers and air conditioners
Collaborator(s)
High-Efficiency Sterilising Nano-Filter
The high-efficiency sterilising nano-filter combines a composite membrane, absorbent and anti-bacteria additives. The innovative composite membrane integrates electrostatic and nanofibre layers to attain more than 90% filter efficiency for 0.3µm particulates, over 90% VOC removal efficiency and over 99% airborne bacteria killing performance, with a pressure drop of less than 70Pa.
Industry Challenges
- Air filters often struggle to balance high filtration efficiency with low energy consumption and pressure drop
Major Benefits
- Over 90% filter efficiency for 0.3µm particulates: effectively capture fine particles
- Over 90% VOC removal efficiency: enhance the filter’s ability to eliminate volatile organic compounds
- Over 99% airborne bacteria removal efficiency: demonstrates strong sterilising performance against airborne pathogens
- Less than 70Pa pressure drop: maintains high filtration performance while minimising energy usage
Application Areas
- Air filter for household air conditioner
- Air filter for commercial air conditioning
- Air filter for air purifier
Collaborator(s)
Nano Cementitious Waterproof Coating
We have developed a superior nano-modified polymer cementitious coating with aforementioned performances and durability, suitable for use on concrete surfaces and humid environments.
Industry Challenges
- Water seepage is common in Hong Kong buildings, but few coatings offer long-term waterproofing with flexibility and adhesion
Major Benefits
- Strong waterproofing: blocks water under 5 bar pressure for 72 hours
- Highly flexible: elongation >300%
- Excellent adhesion: bonds >1.2 MPa to various surfaces
- Applies on wet surfaces: no need for dry substrate
- Easy to use: brush or roll application
- Low VOC: safe and eco-friendly
Application Areas
- Roof, basement, washroom, bathroom, terrace, swimming pool, water tank, deck, etc.
Collaborator(s)
Award(s)
Self-Cleaning Antimicrobial Vitreous Enamel Panel
Utilising inorganic nano-modified agents incorporated with functional metal compounds, our self-cleaning antimicrobial vitreous enamel panel (scaVEP) is a state-of-the-art product with outstanding durability, aesthetics, as well as construction convenience, which is best suitable for architectural and decorative applications including tunnel linings, and wall cladding in clinics and metro stations.
Industry Challenges
- Public spaces need durable, hygienic, and low-maintenance surface materials
Major Benefits
- Kills >99% bacteria: effective against E. coli and S. aureus
- Self-cleaning surface: hydrophilic with <20° water contact angle
- Resistant to chemicals and heat: withstands acid, alkali, and high temperatures
- Low maintenance: easy upkeep with diverse colour options
Application Areas
- Cladding in subway station, clinic and school
- Tunnel linings
- Treatment tanks
- Bus stations and road signs
Collaborator(s)
Award(s)
High Performance, Energy Saving Air Filter
Our all-in-one multifunctional HEPA-grade filter, a breakthrough of the conventional technology, effectively removes air particulates and kills bacteria in the air. It outperforms other air purification systems in size, efficacy and energy saving.
Industry Challenges
- Conventional air purification systems are often bulky, energy-intensive, and limited in functionality, making them less effective for compact and efficient filtration
Major Benefits
- Effective air filtration: trap over 99% of viruses and filter PM1.0, PM2.5, PM10 airborne particulates
- Energy-efficient: designed to maintain high performance with low power consumption
- Compact, slim and low-cost: ideal for space-saving applications and affordable deployment
- Antibacterial and virus removal: loaded with functional agents to kill bacteria and viruses in the air
Application Areas
- Household air purifiers
- Large-scale HVAC systems
Collaborator(s)
Award(s)
Anisotropic Thermal Management Pad for 5G System
We have successfully integrated the highly thermal conductive carbon fibres into the silicone to form an effective thermal interface composite material which is essential for next-generation 5G wireless communications. In this material, carbon fibres are aligned to enable anisotropic heat transfer for excellent thermal management in electronics.
Industry Challenges
- Conventional thermal pads lack efficiency, flexibility, and voltage safety for 5G electronics
Major Benefits
- 2.5× better heat transfer: enhances cooling for high-performance devices
- Flexible and lightweight: fits complex surfaces without adding bulk
- High voltage resistance: withstands up to 1kV/mm for safe operation
- Flame retardant: meets UL94 V1 safety standards
Application Areas
- 5G telecommunication systems
- Network servers and computers
- Esports computers
- New energy-thermal management system for lithium ion battery arrays
Collaborator(s)
Award(s)
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