Nanocomp Technologies, Inc. (www.nanocomptech.com),
a developer of energy-saving performance materials and component
products, today announced it has been awarded a Phase One contract by
the United States Air Force under the Department of Defense’s
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. The intent of this
SBIR project is to develop a new generation of very lightweight,
electrically conductive wires, cables and materials made from carbon
nanotubes (CNTs). Under Phase One, Nanocomp Technologies will expand
upon its current processing and manufacturing methods for producing CNT
sheets and spun conductors, composed of long-length CNTs, to surpass
established electrical performance standards required by aerospace to
replace traditional copper wiring.
Copper wiring is used in electronic harnesses because of its proven
history and excellent electrical conductivity. However, in modern
aerospace systems, wiring deficiencies are becoming more apparent as
functional demands increase. For example, today’s
large satellites weighing 15 tons or more derive one-third of their
weight from copper wiring harnesses. Similarly in commercial aircraft, a
Boeing 747 uses as much as 135 miles of copper wire and weighs more than
4000 lbs. Copper wires also oxidize and corrode, are susceptible to
vibration fatigue and create premature electronics failures due to
overheating conditions.
Nanocomp Technologies’ carbon nanotubes are
already distinguished by their long length—up
to one millimeter. As a result, the company’s
products are significantly more conductive in end applications as
compared to short, powder-like nanotubes appearing in today’s
market. In early 2008, Nanocomp began producing large CNT sheets that
not only demonstrate value for a number of aerospace and electronics
applications, but also will integrate directly into existing
manufacturing processes in those industries.
“We are thrilled to have received this
important program award from the USAF,” said
Peter Antoinette, president and CEO of Nanocomp Technologies. “It
is generally overlooked that modern satellites and aircraft rely upon an
invention from the 1800s – copper-based
electrical wires and cables. Our work can result in a true 21st
century change in the game, creating electrically optimized carbon
nanotube wires and cables, comparable to copper in terms of electrical
conductivity but up to 80 percent lighter and more robust. The result
will be increased mission capability for the Air Force and dramatic fuel
savings for the entire aerospace industry. The project demonstrates the
U.S. government’s commitment to enabling
innovations in materials science, and speaks to their confidence in our
cutting edge efforts to develop performance products that save energy.”
The SBIR program is funded by 12 federal agencies from their Research
and Development budgets. It is designed to simultaneously stimulate
technological innovation among private sector small businesses such as
Nanocomp Technologies and increase the commercialization of new
technology through federal R&D.
About Nanocomp Technologies, Inc.
Nanocomp Technologies, Inc. was formed in 2004 to leverage its
proprietary and fundamental advancements in the production of long
carbon nanotubes as well as a unique ability to fabricate them into
physically strong, lightweight and electro-thermally conductive yarns
and nonwoven sheets. The company’s objective
is to develop products with revolutionary performance benefits that
would create a new generation of advanced structural materials and
electro-thermal devices. It has 16 patents pending. The company is
headquartered in Concord, N.H. For additional information, please visit http://www.nanocomptech.com/.
Nanocomp and the Nanocomp logo are trademarks of Nanocomp
Technologies, Inc. All other marks are trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective holders.
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