NanoRidge customizes carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with various chemical groups to affect the viscoelastic, mechanical, and thermal properties of commercial elastomers. Known to be 10X stronger than steel at 1/6 the weight and more thermally conductive than diamond, CNTs can impart a portion of these properties to NBR, HNBR, and fluoro-elastomer matrices if properly functionalized and integrated. NanoRidge has successfully prepared CNT-HNBR composite materials with significantly improved properties:
NanoRidge has extensive IP and experience in the areas of CNT functionalization and incorporation into epoxy resins and composite structures. When properly functionalized and dispersed, CNT inclusion results in significantly improved properties with little impact on processing. NanoRidge has successfully prepared CNT-epoxy composite materials demonstrating:
- Increased glass transition temperature (Tg)
- Increased tensile strength
- Enhanced cyclic fatigue life
- Improved thermomechanical performance
As a result of being able to achieve the desired property improvements at a low incorporation level of nanotubes (which is the most expensive component), NanoRidge will produce these enhanced composites at a highly competitive price. Initial markets are the aerospace and defense industries with the primary customer benefits being improved thermomechanical performance and significantly reduced component weight.
Thermoplastics
Incorporation of CNTs into engineering thermoplastics affects both the viscoelastic behavior and crystallization kinetics of the polymer. Our proprietary methods for CNT functionalization and integration can significantly shorten processing times, potentially leading to lower energy usage, better heat transfer efficiency, and lower production cost. We have also demonstrated enhanced mechanical properties in several commonly used thermoplastics.
Thermal Coatings
In conjunction with a development partner, NanoRidge has integrated CNTs into a coating system, resulting in the ability to heat the system via application of electrical current. In combination with the intrinsic chemical resistance and durability of the coating, potential applications of this material include inhibiting ice formation and corrosion protection.
Ultra-High Conductivity in Polymers
NanoCable – collaboration through NIST/ATP – Advanced Technology Program, US Department of Commerce
In September of 2007, NanoRidge, along with its industry partner The Boeing Company, was awarded a project grant from the highly-competitive NIST/ATP program. The project’s goal is to develop a lightweight, electrical wire-and-cable system that can reduce fuel costs and improve energy efficiency in numerous applications, including aerospace. The NanoCable project is a three-year funded effort designed to capitalize on the remarkable electrical properties of specific carbon nanotube types which conduct greater amounts of electric current than copper while having only one-sixth the weight. For more information on the NIST program and the NanoCable project, please see our press release on our Media and Press page.
Ultra-High Conductivity Umbilical – co-funded through RPSEA – Research Partnership to Secure Energy for America, US Department of Energy
NanoRidge is developing an electrical conductor suitable for use in subsea umbilicals that has conductivity greater than copper and allows for tieback distances approaching 100 miles. Carbon nanotechnology is a new technology that could enable power delivery to the seafloor where lightweight and high current is required.
- Utilize carbon nanotubes imbedded in a polymer as a conductor. Individual nanotubes can have conductivities 100X that of copper.
The Polymer-Nanotube Umbilical (PNU) development team:
- NanoRidge Materials, Inc. (project lead)
- Technip, USA
- Duco, Inc.
- Rice University
The project will culminate with a report and workshop documenting the program results.
Security Taggants
This initiative utilizes one of the many interesting properties of nanotubes: fluorescence in the presence of a certain laser light frequency. The detection of the taggant on a product or label will identify the material as genuine. The taggant is invisible to the naked eye; therefore, it is only detectable with a dedicated optical sensor.
The taggant is targeted for manufacturers of components in the aerospace industry, followed by makers of high value commercial goods.
This provides a unique signature that is virtually impossible to counterfeit. When combined with scanner technology that is being developed in partnership with NanoRidge, this material will provide a comprehensive security and anti-counterfeiting solution.
Microcapsules
NanoRidge has additional licenses covering some emerging innovations in environmentally friendly microencapsulation technology.
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These processes will deliver economic routes to manipulate a material’s composition at the nanoscale level. Capsules just a few microns in diameter, made from polymers and nanoparticles, can be used to protect and encapsulate a variety of payload materials. The microcapsules have many developing applications including introducing novel electrical and mechanical properties in thermoplastics, creating self-healing materials, and making high performance metal and ceramic foams. |
Metal Oxide Catalyst
NanoRidge has licensed technology pertaining to the synthesis of nanoscale, supported metal oxide catalysts. These catalysts have increased surface area and active metal oxide loading. To date, metal oxides of tungsten, molybdenum, cerium, and rhenium have been synthesized and characterized. These materials have potential as catalysts for industrial processes including selective oxidation, oxidative dehydration, ammoxidation, and solid-acid catalysis. NanoRidge is currently seeking a commercial partner for further developmental testing.
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