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A Turkish Company Specializing in heat treatment is Seeking Project Partners to Collaborate on International Programs (Eureka, Eurostars etc.).

Summary

Closed for EoI
Profile Type
  • Research & Development Request
POD Reference
RDRTR20250130019
Term of Validity
1 February 2025 - 1 February 2026
Company's Country
  • Turkey
Type of partnership
  • Research and development cooperation agreement
Targeted Countries
  • All countries
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General information

Short Summary
Turkish Company is developing an advanced heat treatment process designed to improve the performance and longevity of brake discs. The company is seeking Project Partners to Collaborate on International Programs (Eureka, Eurostars etc.).
Full Description
The company, based in Türkiye, specializes in heat treatment technologies, particularly for enhancing braking system components. With expertise in material science and thermal processing, it has developed an advanced multi-stage heat treatment process to improve brake disc performance and longevity.

Operating as a manufacturer and technology provider in the automotive supply chain, the company focuses on research, development, and application of heat treatment methods to optimize metal component durability and efficiency. Its expertise spans metallurgy, tribology, and surface engineering.

The offered multi-stage heat treatment and surface modification process for grey cast iron brake discs enhances mechanical properties, addressing key concerns like wear resistance, corrosion protection, and environmental compliance. The process is suitable for passenger, commercial, and industrial vehicles, benefiting both OEMs and aftermarket suppliers by improving service life and reliability.

Backed by a team of engineers and researchers, the company ensures that its processes comply with Euro 7 regulations and industry standards. Collaborations with academic institutions and industry partners support ongoing innovation.

The company seeks a brake pad manufacturer for a Eurostars-funded R&D project to develop a next-generation braking system compliant with Euro 7 regulations. The project focuses on reducing brake dust emissions (PM10 & PM2.5), improving braking efficiency, and extending component lifespan through material compatibility studies, friction testing, and real-world validation.

The ideal partner should have expertise in friction material development, low-emission brake pad formulations, and tribological testing. Responsibilities include:

- Developing and optimizing low-wear, environmentally friendly brake pads.
- Conducting joint tribological testing with heat-treated discs.
- Providing technical validation and feedback.
- Participating in the Eurostars funding application and development activities.

This collaboration aims to deliver a validated low-emission braking system, new material developments, and commercialization opportunities in European and global markets. The project aligns with European initiatives for sustainable mobility and air quality improvement, fostering cross-border innovation and strengthening the competitive position of both partners.
Advantages and Innovations
The proposed multi-stage heat treatment and surface modification process for grey cast iron brake discs offers a groundbreaking solution with clear technological and economic advantages over traditional methods. This innovation focuses on enhancing wear resistance, reducing particulate emissions, and improving corrosion protection, making it a cost-effective and sustainable option for automotive manufacturers.

Competitive Benchmarking:
Compared to traditional methods like Ferritic Nitrocarburizing (FNC), salt bath nitriding, and ceramic coatings, this process delivers superior mechanical properties without hazardous chemicals or costly coatings. Traditional treatments are prone to peeling, wear out quickly, or require expensive protective layers.

Key Advantages:
- Enhanced Durability: The advanced martensitic transformation and nitriding techniques increase service life by at least 45%.
- Lower Particulate Emissions: Improved friction properties help meet Euro 7 brake dust regulations.
- Superior Corrosion Protection: A stable Fe3O4/Fe2O3 protective layer ensures 240+ hours of salt spray resistance (ASTM B117).
- Environmentally Friendly: No toxic by-products, reduced chemical waste, and lower energy consumption.
- Seamless Integration: Easily adaptable to existing production lines with minimal modifications.
- Extended Lifespan: Achieves over 80,000 km of usage without significant wear.
- Future-Ready: Suitable for electric, hybrid, and conventional vehicles where brake longevity is crucial.
This process redefines brake disc manufacturing, offering cost savings, improved performance, and reduced environmental impact, making it highly attractive for OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and brake system manufacturers worldwide.
Stage of Development
  • Under development
Sustainable Development Goals
  • Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
  • Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
  • Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • Goal 17: Partnerships to achieve the Goal
IPR status
  • No IPR applied

Partner Sought

Expected Role of a Partner
Type of Partner Sought
The company is seeking brake pad manufacturers, research organizations, and academic institutions specializing in friction materials, tribology, and braking system performance. The partnership will be part of an international R&D collaboration under the Eurostars program, focusing on developing a next-generation braking system with reduced wear and emissions.
Expected Role of the Partner
The sought partner(s) will contribute expertise in brake pad formulation and testing, ensuring that the developed braking system achieves optimal performance, durability, and environmental compliance.
Tasks to be Performed by the Partner
1. Brake Pad Manufacturer (Industrial Partner)
- Develop low-wear, environmentally friendly brake pad formulations that are compatible with advanced heat-treated brake discs.
- Perform tribological testing to assess friction performance, wear behaviour, and emission characteristics.
- Collaborate in industrial-scale validation, ensuring that the technology can be applied in mass production.
- Provide feedback on real-world braking conditions and contribute to iterative product improvements.

2. Research Organization / Academic Institution (R&D Partner)
- Conduct material compatibility studies between the heat-treated brake discs and novel brake pad materials.
- Perform advanced tribological, thermomechanical, and emission testing to validate performance under simulated driving conditions.
- Assist in developing and optimizing process parameters for improved braking efficiency and particulate emission reduction.
- Contribute to scientific publications, patents, and regulatory documentation related to the project outcomes.
Potential Partnership Models
• Research & Development Collaboration: Partners will jointly conduct R&D activities within the Eurostars-funded project, focusing on innovative braking system solutions.
• Technical Cooperation Agreement: The brake pad manufacturer will work closely with the company to ensure full compatibility of materials and processes, facilitating real-world application.
• Manufacturing Agreement: A long-term partnership may be established for the commercialization of the improved braking system, allowing both parties to integrate the new technology into the automotive supply chain.
Collaboration Outcome
Through this partnership, the brake pad manufacturer and research partners will help validate and industrialize an advanced braking solution that aligns with Euro 7 regulations, offering a sustainable, high-performance alternative to conventional braking systems. The project will enable all stakeholders to pioneer a next-generation brake system, setting new industry standards for durability, safety, and environmental impact.
The company invites brake pad manufacturers and R&D institutions to discuss potential collaboration opportunities and jointly apply for Eurostars funding to support the project’s development and commercialization.
Type and Size of Partner
  • SME <=10
  • SME 50 - 249
  • R&D Institution
  • Big company
  • University
Type of partnership
  • Research and development cooperation agreement

Call details

Framework program
  • Eureka
Call title and identifier
Eurostars / Eureka Network
Coordinator required
No
Deadline for EoI
Deadline of the call

Dissemination

Technology keywords
  • 02002006 - Hardening, heat treatment
Market keywords
  • 08003001 - Machine tools, other metal working equipment (excl. numeric control)
Targeted countries
  • All countries