Optical coatings for automotive applications: a case study in translating fundamental materials science into commercial reality

Translating fundamental scientific research into commercial reality is not a natural fait accompli progression for the majority of academics. An established scientific entrepreneurial cultural mindset needs to exist within the research group for this translation to occur in a meaningful and productive manner. This investigation outlines a scientific case study; the world’s first original equipment manufacturer plastic automotive reflector. This is now a mature product in the market place, and the case study incorporates the organizational mindset, contractual overview, scientific progression and engineering evaluation needed to bring the project to fruition. The study demonstrates that rather than being an impediment to achieving a successful academic/industry partnership, concurrently running a fundamental research program and an applied science program actually produces tangible benefits. Importantly, however, both partners (academic and industrial) need to understand the benefits that can be realized in running parallel programs from the outset and importantly that both parties actively contribute to the project from the outset. The questions that are raised in each program, and importantly the technical answers/understanding which are developed, help drive the overall progress of the project.