South Africa's Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Boeing, the world's largest aerospace company, have formalised their collaboration. The two entities will cooperate on developing ways to incorporate titanium powder into novel industrial manufacturing processes and products. This mutually beneficial agreement, bolstered by South Africa's rich titanium ore reserves, supports the nation's long-term economic development goals that include the supply of titanium to many industries, including aerospace.

South Africa currently boasts the world’s second-largest reserves of titanium ore. The CSIR has developed and patented an innovative process that converts titanium tetrachloride to titanium powder. A bench-scale Titanium Pilot Plant to spearhead the up-scaling of this technology was launched on 7 June 2013 by the Minister of Science and Technology, Mr Derek Hanekom.

In 2012, the CSIR and Boeing reached an agreement to collaborate on a Titanium Beneficiation Cooperative Research Plan that embraces these CSIR developed technologies. Dr Willie du Preez, Director of the Titanium Centre of Competence, said that the collaboration with Boeing will bring significant value to South Africa. “Boeing’s competencies and experience regarding the applications of titanium in aerospace parts and structures will hugely complement the CSIR’s drive towards commercialisation of the titanium technologies.”

J Miguel Santos, Boeing’s International vice president for Africa, said that the company is pleased to broaden its relationships in South Africa. “Our research and development agreement with the CSIR adds a new dimension to Boeing engagement in South Africa,” Santos said. “We are collaborating to leverage expertise and resources to advance South Africa’s development goals and the competitiveness of Boeing products.”

Boeing Research & Technology (BR&T) will oversee the company’s research activity in Africa’s largest economy. As Boeing's advanced R&D organisation, BR&T is focused on developing future aerospace solutions and improving the cycle time, cost, quality and performance of current aerospace systems. BR&T conducts its own research and works with partners around the world to find technologies that are innovative and affordable.

The CSIR – in collaboration with researchers at various South African universities, science councils, commercial entities, and the Department of Science and Technology – has developed a range of technologies that turns titanium powder into solid products. This primary process is led and coordinated by the national Titanium Centre of Competence, hosted by the CSIR.

For more information, please contact:
Tendani Tsedu
CSIR Media Relations Manager
Tel: 012 841 3417
Cell: 082 945 1980
E-mail: mtsedu@csir.co.za

Technical Enquiries:
Dr Willie du Preez
Director: Titanium Centre of Competence
Tel: 012 841 4955
E-mail: wdupreez@csir.co.za

About CSIR:
The CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research) is one of the leading R&D, technology and innovation institutions in Africa, with a track record spanning over 65 years. See www.csir.co.za or call us at 012 841 2000. The CSIR – our future through science.