(August 19, 2010) — SouthWest NanoTechnologies Inc. (SWeNT), manufacturer of single-wall and Specialty Multi-Wall (SMW) carbon nanotubes (CNTs), is manufacturing specialty multi-wall carbon nanotubes for NanoRidge Materials Inc. These CNTs are being incorporated into enhanced body armor to improve protection of soldiers and law enforcement officers from small arms fire.
SWeNT’s SMW100 will be used in a highly advanced nanotechnology application to create stronger, lighter armor that fundamentally improves its resistance to impact and reduces the penetration depth of a bullet.
This new hybrid armor, which will be manufactured by NanoRidge customer Riley Solutions Inc. (RSI), has been selected by the Defense Advanced Research Program Agency (DARPA) to undergo rigorous testing and evaluation against the most destructive small arms fire.
"Once it has passed testing, the armor will provide U.S. military and law enforcement personnel better, lighter and less costly armor than has been available before," explains Kyle Kissell Ph.D, and RSI’s technical advisor. "NanoRidge selected SWeNT’s SMW100 after evaluating many different products and believes that its characteristics and commercial scalability will meet the needs of our nation’s protectors while saving lives."
“SouthWest NanoTechnologies is proud to be providing NanoRidge and Riley Solutions with SMW100 for use in these groundbreaking, nano-enhanced armor products," explains SWeNT CEO Dave Arthur. “Our patented CoMoCAT process enables us to produce the desired quality and at a cost and in quantities needed to meet the sizable demand that is expected.”
"SWeNT SMW100 is an excellent choice for this armor application because it is affordable, easy to disperse in polymers, and forms extremely robust networks that enhance the structural performance of the composites," says NanoRidge CEO Chris Lundberg. "Additionally, SWeNT’s domestic production and proven ability to deliver consistent quality are critical for the Department of Defense."
NanoRidge Materials, Inc. is a manufacturer of high-performance nanocomposite materials and composite components.
SouthWest NanoTechnologies Inc. (SWeNT) is a privately held specialty chemical company that manufactures high quality single-wall and specialty multi-wall carbon nanotubes, printable inks and CNT-coated fabrics for a range of products and applications including energy-efficient lighting, affordable photovoltaics, improved energy storage and printed electronics. For more information, please visit www.swentnano.com
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