Topics Covered
Integrated Family of Technologies
Applications and Markets
Wood Preservation
Textile Fibers
Marine Antifouling
Permanent Coatings
Thermoplastics
Products, Data and Specifications
Typical Properties
NanoArc® Copper Oxide EXP 0502
Copper Oxide Dispersions
Integrated Family of Technologies
As a leader in the field of nanomaterials technologies, Nanophase has evolved from solely a producer of nanoparticles
into an integrator of commercially scaled nanomaterial technologies focused
on market and customer applications. Nanophase Technologies Corporation manufactures a variety of
nanocrystalline powders in commercial quantities. The nanocrystalline metal
oxides typically have a mean particle size less than 100 nm, are non-porous
single crystals, have defined surface chemistry, and are chemically pure. Further
modification of these materials often involves vapor-phase coating to prepare
a surface-modified dry powder, or liquid phase processing to prepare a dispersion
that is compatible with the application. Nanophase’s family of integrated technologies economically produces
nanocrystalline materials and then nanoengineers those materials to fit customer’s
needs.
Figure 1. Nanophase development process
Nanophase’s development process is designed to produce the most
advantageous nanomaterials solution for an application. The foundation
technologies are the patented Physical Vapor Synthesis (PVS) process and patent pending NanoArc® Synthesis (NAS) process. These processes use plasma
energy to produce pure, non-agglomerated, non-porous, single-phase
metal and mixed metal oxide nanoparticles at annual capacities measured
in tens of thousands of kilograms per reactor. Nanoparticle size and
surface chemistry can be tailored for applications as the nanomaterial
is produced.
Applications
and Markets
- Wood Preservation
- Textile Fibers
- Marine Antifouling
- Permanent Coatings
- Thermoplastics
Wood Preservation
Due to the small size of the nanomaterials,
penetration into a porous surface rather than simple surface adhesion
can be achieved. With the discontinuation of CCA wood preservation
materials for residential uses by the end of 2003, the wood industry
is eagerly searching for cost-effective long-lasting anti-microbial
products that will allow wood to perform well in outdoor applications.
New formulations are usually reported as being more health-friendly
and environmental-friendly, but longevity of performance is often
missing. The incorporation of NanoArc® products, including copper
oxide into the wood preservation formula helps to provide the required
longevity of performance.
Textile Fibers
Nanoparticles have been incorporated
into products such as nylon, polypropylene and other polymers to provide
long-term antimicrobial character even in harsh environments and after
extensive thermal cycling. The need for minimizing or eliminating
microbial growth on a variety of textile-based substrates has become
a major topic of discussion in numerous industries, including healthcare,
home furnishings, filtration and apparel, among others. NanoArc® copper oxide, due to the small particle size, can be readily
incorporated into synthetic fibers such as Nylon prior to extrusion
through spinnerets to impart antimicrobial activity with minimal effects
on color and clarity, surface gloss, physical properties and melt
flow properties. NanoTek® products may also be incorporated into coatings
that can be applied to staple fibers to impart antimicrobial activity.
Such applications include carpet fibers, water filters of various
types, fabrics for use in healthcare facilities and various institutions,
activewear and other apparel, home furnishings and a variety of non-woven
applications including the transportation and bedding industries.
Marine Antifouling
Due to the small size of the nanomaterials,
the particles are held in the coating lattice and are not readily
leached out of the coating by the marine environment, while slowly
releasing ions to help provide longer-term anti-fouling character.
By the end of 2003, tributyl tin compounds will no longer be approved
for use in marine antifouling coatings by the EPA. The need for longevity
of antimicrobial activity in marine environments has been recognized,
and is not fully addressed using only combinations of organic biocides
and copper oxide. NanoArc® copper oxide can reside permanently in marine coating formulations
and can increase the lifetime of the antimicrobial activity, meaning
that cleaning and re-application cycles can be extended.
Permanent Coatings
Long-term antimicrobial activity
can be imparted in many coating formulations through the incorporation
of nanomaterials. The desire for permanent coatings to impart long-term
antimicrobial or bacteria-stat properties to coated products has been
expressed in a variety of industries, including healthcare, industrial
and institutional cleaning, food processing, food service, and general
paints and coatings. NanoArc® copper oxide can be fully dispersed into a wide variety of coating
formulations, including urethanes, acrylics and vinyl acetates and
have shown utility in UV curable and thermosetting coatings as well
as in water-based coating systems.
Thermoplastics
Long-term antimicrobial needs in
various plastic, rubber and composite materials have been increasing
in recent years. Nanomaterials can provide cost-effective longevity
of activity even in harsh environments and after significant thermal
history, separating them from the more unstable organic biocides.
NanoArc® copper oxide can be fully dispersed into thermoplastic product
formulations that are subsequently fabricated via injection molding,
extrusion, blow molding, thermoforming or other typical plastic fabrication
techniques. Antimicrobial activities are imparted to the article while
the small particle size results in minimal effects on color, clarity,
surface gloss, physical properties and melt flow properties of the
finished product. Applications for antimicrobial plastic parts include
children’s toys, refrigerator liners and other appliance parts, interior
and exterior wall coverings, adhesives, caulks and sealants and food
processing and food service equipment.
Products, Data and Specifications
Figure 2. NanoArc® Copper Oxide
Typical Properties
- CuO, Purity = 99+%
- APS 29 nm (determined from SSA)
- SSA = 32 m2/g (BET)
- Appearance = Black powder
- True Density = 6.5 g/cc
- Morphology = Equi-axed and nearly spherical
- Crystal Phase = Monoclinic
- Copper Oxide Nanopowders
NanoArc®
Copper Oxide EXP 0502
NanoTek® Copper Oxide is suitable for catalytic and protective
applications such as wood preservation or marine antifouling.
These particles resist leaching and can reside permanently in marine
coating formulations.
Copper Oxide
Dispersions
Nanophase has worked diligently for years to develop expertise
in dispersing nanomaterials in water, polar organics and non-polar
organics. We offer most of our products in one or more standard
dispersions. We also offer the service of dispersing a nanomaterial
in the bulk medium of your choice as long as it is of low viscosity,
non toxic, and has a flash point greater than 100°F.