| What are nanotechnology and nanoscience exactly? We will try to give a clear definition on these two terms, in order to give a larger comprehension on what Nanocyl does. Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Nanoscience is the study of phenomena and manipulation of materials at atomic, molecular and macromolecular scales, where properties differ significantly from those at a larger scale. Nanotechnology is the design, characterization, production and application of structures, devices and systems by controlling shape and size at nanometer scale. Research in nanoscience is literally exploding, both because of the intellectual allure of constructing matter and molecules one atom at a time, and because the new technical capabilities permit creation of materials and devices with significant societal impact. The rapid evolution of this new science and the opportunities for its application, promise that nanotechnology will become one of the dominant technologies of the 21st century. Nanotechnology represents a central direction for the future of chemistry that is increasingly interdisciplinary and ecumenical in application. Carbon Nanotubes Nanocyl is a manufacturer of specialty and industrial carbon nanotubes, active in the nanotechnology. Nanocyl History Nanocyl’s basic technology had its foundation in the research work carried out at the Universities of Liège and Namur in Belgium in the late 1990’s. After becoming a company in 2002, Nanocyl continued to extend its own Intellectual Property portfolio in carbon nanotube technology. They were one of the first companies active in this field which has the possibility of producing commercial quantities of material. The foundation of Nanocyl stems from the research work of Professor Janos B. Nagy of the University of Namur, and Professor Jean-Paul Pirard of the University o f Liège. Today these researchers along with Nanocyl scientists and engineers continue to develop high quality grades of carbon nanotubes for commercial applications and to support research activities. Research Projects Nanocyl plays an active role in a large number of European nanotechnology research projects and collaborates with many universities around the world. The company is furthermore involved in several projects focusing on Health & Safety assessments and standardization reviews. Health, Safety and the Environment Nanocyl is committed to act in a responsible manner towards safety, health and environment issues. Production Capacity Being one of the key players in its industry with a production capacity of 40 ton/year Nanocyl has the objective to become the world leader for production of carbon nanotubes and to be able to offer a fully integrated solution for their clients. Nanocyl Team Nanocyl employs some 30 people with offices in Belgium and the United States. The US commercial subsidiary was opened in 2006. Nanocyl Assets Nanocyl today produces and commercializes very high performance carbon nanotubes and with its presence on the US market, they have expanded their activities to the United States and to Canada, a market with great potential. The Asia-Pacific market is covered through a network of partners in South Korea, Japan, India and China. Different commercial partners ensure a stronger European presence, especially on the thermoplastic and the composites market. It is since 2003, that Nanocyl has established an international network of partners. The company holds more than twelve certificates and has acquired different licenses. In 2006, Nanocyl was ISO-certified and they became a member of FEDICHEM. Nanocyl Products Nanocyl produces the full field of carbon nanotubes, ranging from single-walled nanotubes, to double-walled and multi-walled versions. The preferred manufacturing technology is catalytic carbon vapour deposition (CCVD), which is currently best adapted to large-scale production. Nanocyl commercializes its products in the form of powders, pellets, liquid dispersions and films. Nanocyl is always focusing on top-level quality and customer satisfaction and is therefore continually developing new, value-added products, such as the pre-dispersed carbon-nanotube based solutions PlastiCyl, EpoCyl, AquaCyl and ThermoCyl. The company also continues to develop intellectual property and focuses its technology and know-how on the practical application of carbon nanotubes, such as their integration with polymers, metals, composites and biomaterials. Current uses include field emission devices and conductive polymer composites. Other areas of application include microelectronics, super-strong fibers, ultra-capacitors, catalytic support, radar-absorbing coating for ‘stealth’ vehicles, and technical textiles. Nanocyl Applications Carbon nanotubes have a lot of extraordinary properties, thanks to which they can be used in a broad spectrum of applications. They can, for instance, be used as applications and solutions for electrical conduction, mechanic reinforcement and thermal conduction. The carbon nanotubes also offer different solutions on the biomedical plan, solar collection, nanoporous filters and coatings of all sorts. They are being studied for the suitability and applications in the aerospace and aeronautical fields as well. Products, Properties and Processing Techniques The combination of unique properties and various product forms compatible with modern processing technologies, furthermore offers unseen possibilities of creating new engineered materials for automotive applications. In the semicon industry, Nanocyl carbon nanotube-based products procure very promising additives. Their mechanical strength properties are also deployed for increasing the strength of various sporting goods as tennis racquets and golf balls. Nanocyl thus offers an enormous spectrum of possibilities for carbon nanotubes and ensures top-level quality at all times. Customer satisfaction is key for Nanocyl. |