(Wenzhou, November 2025) —Zhejiang Magpie Sealing Element Co., Ltd. recently signed an official cooperation agreement with the Institute of Metal Research (IMR) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), to jointly carry out a research and development project focused on new composite materials. This collaboration marks a significant step forward for Magpie in technological innovation within the high-end sealing materials sector. It also highlights the industrial application of scientific research achievements by IMR in the field of materials science.
The Institute of Metal Research, established in 1953, is one of the earliest research institutes under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and is internationally recognized for its expertise in advanced structural materials, such as high-temperature alloys, titanium alloys, and metal matrix composites. The institute hosts several national-level research platforms, including the Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science, and has earned over 400 awards for its scientific and technological achievements. Additionally, IMR has undertaken critical material technology tasks for major national projects, including the manned space program and large aircraft development.
Zhejiang Magpie Sealing Element Co., Ltd., established in 2019, specializes in the production, sales, and R&D support of low-emission seals and graphite sealing components for ball valves, compliant with standards such as API 622, TA-Luft, and ISO 15848-AH. Its core business spans petroleum, chemical, and nuclear sealing solutions, graphite products, and sealing packing technology development.
The current collaboration focuses on the R&D of advanced composite materials characterized by high-strength properties and broad application potential in sealing, energy, and aerospace industries. The IMR-CAS brings expertise in material design and fabrication, while Magpie contributes its industrialization capabilities, creating a complementary partnership to accelerate the domestic production of high-performance sealing materials.
This partnership exemplifies a successful model of joint innovation between a leading enterprise (Magpie) and a national research institute (IMR-CAS). IMR-CAS will support Magpie through technology transfer and joint R&D, helping to overcome key technical challenges, while Magpie will provide market insights and an industrialization platform to speed up the commercialization of research outcomes.
Looking ahead, both parties aim to deepen their collaboration in the field of materials science and further advance high-performance sealing material technologies.
