Based on the successful research project 'Norwegian-Japanese Al-Mg-Si Alloy Precipitation Project', which was completed in 2015, the partners NTNU, University of Toyama, Tokyo Institute of Technology, SINTEF Materials and Chemistry and Hydro Aluminum continued and extended their research collaboration in aluminum alloys and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) through this INTPART project. The objective of this project has been to continue the fruitful collaboration we have had between universities, institutes and private industry in Norway and Japan on research in aluminum alloys and bring it further to also include and formalize educational issues as guest lecturers, workshops and joint courses in addition to mutual industry internships. Furthermore, exchange of students on MSc/PhD level between the university partners with research close to the aluminum industry, has ensured strong and long-lasting international collaboration. Use and training in advanced infrastructure, as TEM has been part of the project. The NTNU environment is a partner in two centers of innovation (SFI CASA and SFI Manufacturing), with aluminum technology as a key part, and the activities within this INTPART project are closely linked to these centers. Hydro, as a global private enterprise in the aluminum industry, provides internships and contributes to a world-leading aluminum alloy consortium. Long-term benefits from such cooperation are higher academic qualifications in research and education at NTNU, more people with fundamental knowledge of Al alloys, and a world-leading international aluminum network within aluminum alloy technology.
The contract for the project was signed at the Norwegian Embassy in Tokyo in March 2016, and the first workshop between the university partners was held at Tokyo Institute of Technology with students from the three universities. In August 2016, three Japanese students had internships for one month at Hydro at Sunndalsøra, and in the autumn of 2016 these three were at NTNU for 3, 3 and 6 months, respectively. In October 2016, 10 professors and students from NTNU went to Tokyo Tech and University of Toyama for one week's visit, including seminars and workshops. In January 2017, the INTPART project and its content were presented for Minister of Trade and Industry Monica Mæland during a visit to the aluminum company YKK in Toyama. In June 2017, 6 MSc / PhD students from Toyama University and Tokyo Tech attended the The 14th International Summer School on Aluminium Alloy Technology at NTNU. In August / September 2017, two MSc students from NTNU participated in a one-month exchange at YKK in Toyama. They completed their Master's theses in June 2018, and made a return visit to Japan and visited YKK to present their results in May 2018. Two MSc students from Tokyo Tech had in the autumn of 2017 internships at Hydro Al, Sunndalsøra, and then spent two months at NTNU to use TEM. 3 Norwegian students conducted during spring 2018 internships in three Japanese aluminum companies - UACJ, KOBELCO, Nippon Light Metals (NLM) - this was the first time these companies had internships from students outside Japan, and both parties (students and companies) were very pleased. In May 2018, the INTPART project organized a seminar in Tokyo with 40 participants, 10 of them from Norway. We have published several papers together in 2018. Moreover, last year we submitted a successful proposal for a new period of this INTPART cooperation, and will continue the collaboration for three new years (from 2019), as we believe it is very fruitful and provides added value. We have now already sent two Norwegian students to YKK for one month, and three students will arrive from Tokyo Tech next month to stay at Hydro and NTNU. The new project has one new Japanese university partner - Kyushu University in Fukuoka.
An outcome of the INTPART project
* broadening of international network and reputation in materials science and engineering and aluminium alloy technology.
* increased visibility, possibilities for more international collaboration, and invitations to give presentations at conferences.
* student exchange as an important instrument for increased internationalization.
* Norwegian student internships in Japanese industry.
* Hydro is in general very enthusiastic about the project, since the university partners and SINTEF can act as door openers to the traditionally rather 'closed' Japanese industry.
* The fact that a new generation of scientists and researchers meets and works together across nationalities and cultures establishes network and personal contacts is extremely important for future innovations and value creation.
Based on the recently ended, very successful research project 'Norwegian-Japanese Al-Mg-Si Alloy Precipitation Project' the partners NTNU, University of Toyama University, Tokyo Institute of Technology, SINTEF Materials and Chemistry and Hydro Aluminium want to continue and extend their research collaboration within aluminium alloys. The objective of this project is to continue the fruitful partnership obtained between universities, institutes and private industry in Norway and Japan and bring it further to also include and formalize educational issues as guest lecturers, workshops and joint courses. Furthermore, exchange of students on Master/PhD level between the university partners with research close to the aluminium industry, will ensure strong and long-lasting international collaboration. Use of and training in equipment such as the transmission electron microscopes (TEMs) are a part of the project. The NTNU environment is a partner in two new Centres of Innovation (SFI CASA and SFI Manufacturing), with aluminium alloy technology as a central part, and the activities within this INTPART project will be closely tied to these centres. Hydro, as a global private enterprise in the aluminium industry, is happy to provide internships and contribute to a world leading consortium on aluminium alloys. Long term benefits from such collaborations are higher academic quality in research and education at NTNU, more people with fundamental knowledge in Al alloys and a world leading international network within aluminium alloy technology.