Enhanced Composites
NanoRidge utilizes functionalized nanotubes to produce composite structures (parts).The addition of nanotubes can dramatically enhance component stiffness, strength, and toughness. As a result of being able to achieve the desired property improvements at a low incorporation level of nanotubes (which are the most expensive component), NanoRidge will produce these enhanced composites at a highly competitive price. Incorporating nanotubes into the resin matrices or on the structural fibers enables this improved effectiveness and overall performance. Initial markets will be in the aerospace and defense industries and the primary customer benefit being significantly reduced component weight
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 will be marketed to 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 and combined with scanner technology that is being developed in partnership with NanoRidge will provide a comprehensive security and anti-counterfeiting solution for thousands of companies.
Microcapsules
In addition to its recognized position as one of the leading organizations delivering commercial advantage through its application of nanoscience, NanoRidge also has additional licenses covering microencapsulation technology developed at Rice University.
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, are being 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.
Enhanced Thermoplastics
- Conductivity without property deterioration
- Increased tensile strength
- Greatly reduced creep
Elastomers
- Improve tensile strength
- Increase product-lifetime
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