Nanocomp Technologies, Inc., a
developer of energy-saving performance materials and component
products, today announced it has been awarded a Phase One contract by
the United States Air Force under the Department of Defense’s
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. The intent of this
SBIR project is to develop a new generation of very lightweight,
electrically conductive wires, cables and materials made from carbon
nanotubes (CNTs). Under Phase One, Nanocomp Technologies will expand
upon its current processing and manufacturing methods for producing CNT
sheets and spun conductors, composed of long-length CNTs, to surpass
established electrical performance standards required by aerospace to
replace traditional copper wiring.
Copper wiring is used in electronic harnesses because of its
proven history and excellent electrical conductivity. However, in
modern aerospace systems, wiring deficiencies are becoming more
apparent as functional demands increase. For example, today’s
large satellites weighing 15 tons or more derive one-third of their
weight from copper wiring harnesses. Similarly in commercial aircraft,
a Boeing 747 uses as much as 135 miles of copper wire and weighs more
than 4000 lbs. Copper wires also oxidize and corrode, are susceptible
to vibration fatigue and create premature electronics failures due to
overheating conditions.
Nanocomp Technologies’ carbon nanotubes are already
distinguished by their long length - up to one millimeter. As a result,
the company’s products are significantly more conductive in
end applications as compared to short, powder-like nanotubes appearing
in today’s market. In early 2008, Nanocomp began producing
large CNT sheets that not only demonstrate value for a number of
aerospace and electronics applications, but also will integrate
directly into existing manufacturing processes in those industries.
“We are thrilled to have received this important
program award from the USAF,” said Peter Antoinette,
president and CEO of Nanocomp Technologies. “It is generally
overlooked that modern satellites and aircraft rely upon an invention
from the 1800s – copper-based electrical wires and cables.
Our work can result in a true 21st century change in the game, creating
electrically optimized carbon nanotube wires and cables, comparable to
copper in terms of electrical conductivity but up to 80 percent lighter
and more robust. The result will be increased mission capability for
the Air Force and dramatic fuel savings for the entire aerospace
industry. The project demonstrates the U.S. government’s
commitment to enabling innovations in materials science, and speaks to
their confidence in our cutting edge efforts to develop performance
products that save energy.”
The SBIR program is funded by 12 federal agencies from their
Research and Development budgets. It is designed to simultaneously
stimulate technological innovation among private sector small
businesses such as Nanocomp Technologies and increase the
commercialization of new technology through federal R&D.