Cohort 5 Visit to Johnson Matthey

TSM students visit multinational

Donning lab coats, goggles and safety shoes, Cohort 5 went to ­visit Johnson Matthey (JM) in order to get a flavour of modelling in the wild.  JM is a multinational company with a strong research focus, one of the main producers of catalytic convertors. During the visit we toured the catalytic convertor assembly line. This involved coating a frame with a washcoat, designed to convert harmful toxins into more inert compounds. We went on to brainstorm possible ways of modelling the coating process. Such an understanding could be used to increase cost-effectiveness and reduce waste.­­ The physics instincts kicked in and we quickly simplified it down to spherical particles in a single solute. A lively debate followed about the merits of a model so simplified. Eventually, it was decided that it could provide a qualitative understanding before building in extra complexity. It was inspiring to see the methods we learn about being used to tackle real practical problems. So, in conclusion, we were able to see that industry can offer exciting scientific and intellectual challenges, all in a context of creating a more sustainable, greener planet earth. The experience left us revitalised for the masters and TSM in general.