SouthWest NanoTechnologies,
Inc. (SWeNT) the leading 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."