Applied Nanotech Holdings has been awarded a Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to develop ultra-lightweight hydrogen fuel tanks using carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforcement. This contract is intended to expands production capacity of carbon nanotube reinforced nanocomposites and significantly improve the mechanical properties of the carbon fiber/epoxy material used to construct hydrogen fuel tanks with CNT reinforcements.
“We are currently working with a variety of organizations across several industries tailoring our composite materials to improve the underlying products of our potential customers, and we continue to receive numerous contracts for nanocomposite research from the government,” said Dr. Dongsheng Mao, Vice President of Engineering of Applied Nanotech, Inc.
The goal of the project is to reduce the weight by 20% or more. This will lower hydrogen fuel tank costs and increase fuel efficiency. This technology can also be used for natural gas compression tanks. The International Association of Natural Gas Vehicles reported that sales of composite pressure vessels are expected to reach $250 million by 2013 and upwards of $560 million by the end of the decade.
“Nanocomposite materials are a very important part of our business. We are aiming to accelerate the commercialization of our technology in several industries including sports and recreation, for products such as fishing rods, bicycles and snowboards, as well as body and vehicle protection such as helmets, body armor, vehicle and helicopter ballistic armor, and other applications,” said Dr. Zvi Yaniv, CEO of Applied Nanotech, Inc. “With the capabilities of our Austin plant to produce 10-12 tons of carbon nanotube reinforced epoxy resin annually, the successful completion of this SBIR Phase II program could result in a product that can be immediately introduced to market.”
Applied Nanotech Holdings is a premier research and commercialization organization focused on solving problems at the molecular level. Its team of PhD level scientists and engineers work with companies and other organizations to solve technical impasses and develop innovations to create a competitive advantage. Applied Nanotech has over 300 patents or patents pending and has developed CNT reinforced polymers for a wide range of applications. Yonex Corporation uses Applied Nanotech technology in its ultra-lightweight badminton racquets and golf club shafts. Applied Nanotech also recently launched CNTstix(TM), a family of ultra-strong structural epoxy adhesives.
For more information, visit www.appliednanotech.net
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