MONTREAL, QUEBEC /MARKET WIRE/ -- Raymor Industries Inc., a leading developer and producer of single-walled carbon nanotubes, nanomaterials, and advanced materials, is pleased to announce that the company's wholly owned subsidiary, Raymor Nanotech, has begun producing single-walled carbon nanotubes (C-SWNT) from its high capacity production unit, which is designed to produce 10,000 grams/day. With this unit in production, the company is currently meeting with potential clients to secure long-term agreements for the supply of Raymor's C-SWNT for use initially in the aerospace and defense sectors. With these agreements, Raymor will install additional production units to meet what the company has identified as a growing market demand for C-SWNT, thus aiming to become the largest producer of C-SWNT in the world.
Dr. Olivier Smiljanic, director of Raymor's nanotechnology division and co-inventor of the technology, had this to say about the news: "This thermal plasma-based C-SWNT production process has shown its importance in producing high-quality C-SWNT. This unique, patented process allows for the continuous synthesis of C-SWNT while efficiently eliminating a greenhouse gas. Our C-SWNT will be delivered to well-known clients for their end-use applications, such as in composite materials."
Frederic Larouche, assistant director of Raymor's nanotechnology division, and co-inventor of the technology, added the following: "To our knowledge, this is the only process which is capable of reaching very high production throughputs of high-quality C-SWNT on a continuous basis."
Stephane Robert, president and CEO of Raymor Industries also commented on the news: "With major aerospace manufacturers committing to the construction of composite-based commercial aircraft, our capacity to supply high-quality single-walled carbon nanotubes will serve as a catalyst for the incorporation of these phenomenal materials in new aircraft. We are currently focusing our production efforts on providing a high-purity, consistent quality C-SWNT at throughputs targeting 10,000 grams per day. The company will offer C-SWNT to the market at a price which will allow for the growth of applications."
C-SWNT are unique forms of pure carbon, which are up to 100 times stronger than steel at 1/6th the weight (i.e. very strong, lightweight materials). These materials have impressive electrical properties, as they can conduct electricity up to 1000 times greater than copper. C-SWNT can transfer heat up to 10 times greater than copper. Given these phenomenal properties, C-SWNT will be the technology platform for a multitude of applications, including:
- Aerospace: Electrically active, thermally conductive polymers and nanotube structural enhanced composites
- Defense: Enhanced lightweight ballistic protection and field sensors
- Energy: Hydrogen storage for fuel cells and battery electrodes
- Electronics/IT: Heat sinks; nanochips, and hard-drive heads
- Medical: New drug delivery medications and devices
- Telecom: Antennas and microwave amplifier devices
- Automotive: Fuel cells, structural components, and electronics
- Consumer: Flat panel displays, textiles, paint, efficient lighting, and water filtration
Raymor's high-quality C-SWNT are produced using a unique, patented, plasma-based process. As compared with the other techniques for commercially producing C-SWNT (e.g., CVD, gas phase CVD, arc, and laser ablation), Raymor produces in a continuous process large volumes of high-quality C-SWNT at a reasonable price to facilitate the full integration of these materials into commercial products.
The Freedonia Group, in a report released in January 2006, predicts the global carbon nanotube market to be a $10 billion industry by 2020.
About Raymor Industries
Raymor Industries Inc. has as its mission to become a leading developer of high technology for the production of single-walled carbon nanotubes, nanomaterials, and other advanced materials for high value-added applications. In November 2004, Raymor Industries created a wholly owned, industrial subsidiary, AP&C Advanced Powders and Coatings, specializing in nanotechnology and advanced materials, and comprising four operational divisions: (1) nanotechnology products, including nano-powders, nano-coatings, and single-walled carbon nanotubes (C-SWNT) for "the applications of tomorrow"; (2) thermal spray coatings, which largely targets military, aeronautical, aerospace, specialized industrial, and mining applications; (3) spherical metallic powders, primarily used for biomedical and aerospace applications; and (4) net-shape forming, a component manufacturing technique used for ballistic protection and other aerospace and military applications. Raymor holds the exclusive rights to more than 20 patents throughout the world, with other patents pending.
For more information on Raymor Industries, a nanotech 100 company, please visit the company's Web site. For more information on the list of nanotech 100 compiled by Ianano, please visit the following Web site.