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Event Information:

  • Wed
    27
    Jul
    2011

    NanoHorizons Wins National Science Foundation Grant

    NanoHorizons Wins National Science Foundation Grant

    Research Project Focuses on Use ofNanoscale Silver as Antifouling Composite for Ocean Renewable Energy Systems

    Bellefonte, PA — July 27, 2011 — NanoHorizons Inc., a provider ofnanoscale additives for healthcare, textile and industrial applications, todayannounced that the National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded the company asix-month research grant to determine the optimal combination of reinforcedcomposite material and nanoscale silver antimicrobial additives that meetantifouling performance specifications of the marine environment and oceanrenewable energy systems. The project’s novel composites are reinforcedwith conductive carbon nanotube-infused glass fiber and, as such, have thepotential to be the first electro-activated “on demand” antifoulingsolution, thereby dramatically reducing the amount of antifouling agentrequired to maintain ocean energy infrastructures.

    Along with requirements of strength, light weight anddurability, antifouling (the prevention of surface growth of marine organisms)is a key challenge in developing the components of systems that cansuccessfully produce ocean renewable energy. Ocean renewable energy--rangingfrom wave, tidal and ocean current to wind, salinity gradient and thermalgradient—is emerging as a promising alternative energy source to fossilfuels. According to the Electric Power Research Institute, ocean renewableenergy may possibly supply up to 400 terawatt hours of clean power annually orroughly ten percent of today’s global demand.

    “Beyond the need for a viable energy renewalsource,” states James Delattre, Vice President Global Marketing,NanoHorizons, “long-lasting marine composites with an effectiveantifouling solution could also have a beneficial impact on the USshipping industry and military. The US Navy alone, for example, spends over$2.1 billion a year in fleet maintenance. Thus, our NSF study may have bothshort and long-term significance.”

    About NanoHorizons Inc.

    NanoHorizons Inc. (www.nanohorizons.com) isa leader in the emerging, cutting-edge field of practical nanotechnology for abroad range of healthcare, commercial, and industrial applications. Thecompany’s nanoscale silver antimicrobial additives are entirely developedand manufactured in the USA and marketed globally to customers in the apparel,health care, and coatings and plastics industries under the SmartSilver®brand (www.smartsilver.com). SmartSilver offers highly durable, safe and cost-effectivebacterial control in a variety of products, including natural and syntheticfibers and fabrics as well as coatings, foams and polymer applications. SmartSilver technology is EPAregistered and its additives are Oeko-Tex® certified as beingfree of harmful substances according to the Oeko-Tex® 100 Standard.SmartSilver also has a Device Master File with the FDA to facilitate thatagency’s review of antimicrobial treated medical devices and combinationproduct candidates that reference the use of SmartSilver. NanoHorizons’ experienced team of scientists,engineers, and operational managers provide product research, design,development, laboratory testing, manufacture, and customer technical and salessupport. NanoHorizons is a private equity funded company, headquartered in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania,near The Pennsylvania State University.