/EINPresswire.com/ -- COLUMBUS, OH--(Marketwired - Jun 28, 2017) - SCI Engineered Materials, Inc. ("SCI") (OTCQB: SCIA), a global supplier and manufacturer of advanced materials for physical vapor deposition thin film applications that works closely with end users and OEMs to develop innovative, customized solutions, today announced it has entered into a joint project with Case Western Reserve in their Summer Undergraduate Research in Energy and Sustainability program.

The goal of this project is to measure the band gaps and work function of several materials currently being developed by SCI through in-house R&D activities. Specifically, Case Western Reserve will evaluate test films to determine if SCI's materials have superior properties to replace Cadmium Sulfide and/or intrinsic Zinc Oxide in Copper Indium Gallium Selenide ("CIGS") thin film solar products. Band gaps and work functions impact the electrical conversion efficiency of CIGS solar cells. This project is expected to be completed during the third quarter of 2017. Successful evaluation of these materials is anticipated to enhance their market adoption.

Jing Yang PhD., SCI's Senior Product Development Engineer, stated, "Based on our current research and the outcome of data to be confirmed by Case Western Reserve, SCI may be able to offer replacement materials with competitive advantages of a wider band gap than Cadmium Sulfide to CIGS thin film solar cell manufacturers. In addition to superior electrical conversion efficiencies, solar cell manufacturers will be able to label their product Cadmium free which is especially important during the manufacture of solar cells and recycling this toxic material."

About SCI Engineered Materials, Inc.

SCI Engineered Materials is a global supplier and manufacturer of advanced materials for PVD thin film applications that works closely with end users and OEMs to develop innovative, customized solutions. Additional information is available at www.sciengineeredmaterials.com.

About Case Western Reserve University

Case Western Reserve University is one of the country's leading private research institutions. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, Case Western Reserve offers a unique combination of forward-thinking educational opportunities in an inspiring cultural setting. Case Western Reserve's leading-edge faculty engage in teaching and research in a collaborative, hands-on environment. Case Western Reserve's nationally recognized programs include arts and sciences, dental medicine, engineering, law, management, medicine, nursing and social work. About 5,100 undergraduate and 6,200 graduate students comprise Case Western Reserve's student body. Visit case.edu to see how Case Western Reserve thinks beyond the possible.