A roller chain made from polymer materials has reached the finals of the British Government’s Make it in Great Britain Challenge, which aims to find the UK’s next big products, processes and concepts. The chain, invented by Stefan Karp, a former engineering lecturer at Brunel University, needs no lubrication, is corrosion-free, self-aligning and can be used under water.

“I originally designed it to be used in bicycles,” Karp explains. “Due to it being oil-free and light, it is particularly suitable for children’s bicycles. But there are a range of possibilities for this product – it could improve the reliability and versatility of machinery as varied as photocopiers, cars, bottling plants and even pharmaceutical machinery.

“It’s hugely exciting to be one of the finalists in this competition,” he adds, “and I’m looking forward to seeing the range of ways this roller chain will be put into use”.

The roller chain is a finalist in the Make it Stronger category of the competition. The winner will be announced in September.