Over two decades after the establishment of CORIMAV (Consortium for Advanced Materials Research), the University of Milan-Bicocca and Pirelli have signed the extension of the collaboration for another six years. To date, 55 PhD grants have been funded and awarded by the consortium, a collaboration established with the aim of developing cutting-edge technologies in the field of materials, supporting research and experimentation activities for patenting purposes, as well as promoting training and professional development initiatives for young researchers.
Towards increasingly eco-friendly materials and production processes
A joint activity that will continue by funding 18 new PhD grants for research aimed at projects focused on sustainability, through studies related to new materials obtained from renewable sources and new materials obtained from waste products from the agricultural/industrial supply chain, innovative solutions with lower environmental impact in the tire production process, and tire environmental degradability with a circular economy approach.
Lignin and nano-silicates (SmartNet Silica) introduced into tires.
CORIMAV’s research work has resulted, for example, in the patent that led to Pirelli’s use of lignin in the production of bicycle tires and soon in some car specifications. Lignin is a natural material from waste biomass with inherent antioxidant properties which, with appropriate chemical and physical modifications, make it possible to improve tires’ mechanical properties, replacing fossil-based synthetic materials. A second example of the research work carried out by CORIMAV is the patenting of nano-silicates (SmartNet Silica), a special silica which, when used in a compound, enables high grip and sliding performance in dry and wet conditions. The tread’s mechanical strength is also improved, which promotes puncture protection and tire life, while also optimizing rolling resistance.
A European best practice
In 2018, CORIMAV was included in the European Commission’s final Study on Fostering Industrial Talents in Research at European Level, which focuses on promoting inter-sectoral mobility (ISM) and gives examples of best practices for each country in the EU. This recognition testifies to the extent to which the institutions and the European Union are focusing on a path that successfully transforms the fruits of research into products of commercial interest, with increasing attention to the development and dissemination of more environmentally friendly solutions. A virtuous process of continuous exchange of knowledge between the industrial and university spheres, leading to the consolidation of learning and development methods, while supporting the growth paths of young researchers, enabling them to quickly start professional careers in companies, including Pirelli.
Over 20 years of research and 24 patents filed
In 2001, Pirelli and the university signed the agreement to start CORIMAV, starting with initial research primarily focused on three areas: nanocomposite materials, power transmission (superconductivity and distributed generation), and molecular modelling. More recently, research efforts have focused on the tire industry, an area that Pirelli has also concentrated on, with an emphasis on environmentally sustainable materials.
In CORIMAV’s more than 20 years of operation, 24 patent applications have been filed, including 12 in the 2017-2022 period. The Consortium was chaired at the beginning by Prof. Marcello Fontanesi, followed by Prof. Cristina Messa and today Prof. Giovanna Iannantuoni, while the role of director has always been held by Enrico Albizzati (former CEO of Material Innovation of Pirelli Labs and currently Pirelli’s Scientific Advisor).
Giovanna Iannantuoni, rector of the University of Milan-Bicocca, commented: “We are delighted to be continuing this collaboration. Research plays a key role in bringing about the ecological transition. Bicocca is at the forefront of research into new materials and energy conservation, with a focus on sustainability in its broadest sense. The relationship with the business world is bringing concrete benefits to both the universities and companies, as demonstrated by the results achieved so far through the work of the CORIMAV Consortium.”
Marco Tronchetti Provera, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Pirelli, remarked: “The Pirelli-Bicocca University Consortium testifies to the importance and value of collaboration between companies and universities, whereby processes and methodologies are triggered to progress toward ever greater environmental sustainability. A continuous exchange of knowledge aimed at mutual training of researchers in order to improve the product and stimulate continuous innovation.”