Technology: Nano 101

Common Questions about Nanotechnology and Carbon Nanotubes.

What is Nanotechnology?
The word “nano” in nanotechnology derives from the term “nanometer”, which is one-billionth of a meter. Molecular nanotechnology is the manipulation of matter at the atomic, molecular, or macro level (on the length scale of approximately 1-100 nanometers). Materials that are characterized by structural features less than 100 nm can be broadly classified as nanomaterials; these serve as the basis for ZPM's product lines.

What are Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs)?
Carbon nanotubes are layers of graphite seamlessly wrapped into cylinders which are a few nanometers in diameter, and approximately 10-20 microns long. Therefore, the length-to-width aspect ratio is extremely high. Both the graphitic nature of the material and their large aspect ratio provides enhanced physical properties, which exceeds most common filler materials.

What are the physical properties of CNTs?
CNTs have reported tensile strengths 20 times that of Chromoly steel with 1/6 the weight. In addition, carbon nanotubes significantly improve the electrical and thermal conductivities of commercial polymers. The conductivities of ZPM's composites are at least several orders of magnitude higher than those of insoluble CNT composites, particularly at high nanotube loading levels. In addition, carbon nanotubes offer the ability to enhance the mechanical and structural properties of composites.

I heard CNTs were expensive, how were you able to put it into large scale production?
Properly treated CNTs can be cost effective for numerous applications. Easton had a cost target associated with the integration of CNTs into their products and ZPM was able to meet that target. Our customers have discovered that ZPM is cost-effective for a number of immediate applications. Excellent dispersion requires significantly fewer nanotubes to gain increased material performance, compared to other commercially available nanomaterial products.

How do CNTs compare to Nanoclays?
CNTs dramatically exceed the performance of nanoclays to enhance the physical properties of a resin matrix.

What is unique about ZPM?
ZPM actually incorporates nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes, into commercial applications. CNTs have exceptional physical properties, but incorporating them into other materials has been inhibited by the surface chemistry of carbon. Problems such as phase separation, aggregation, poor dispersion within a matrix, and poor adhesion to the host must be overcome. ZPM solved these problems by developing a new surface treatment technology that optimizes the interaction between CNTs and the host matrix.

The underlying technology in ZPM's materials allows us to molecularly engineer the properties of the solubilizing agent to suspend tubes in a variety of solvents. Additionally, the interaction of the tubes with the host material can be designed to achieve a range of properties in the resulting composite material system once the solvent is removed.

This “platform technology” uses existing chemistry to tailor nanomaterials at the molecular scale to solve real-world materials problems. Solving real-world problems with nanotechnology is exactly why Zyvex was started, and we are pleased to offer an innovative nanomaterials product line.

How does ZPM's technology work?
Our technology is a functionalization “bridge” which contains two major components. One component non-covalently adheres to the nanomaterials; the other easily customizes to any application. This technology allows ZPM to quickly adapt to our customer’s needs, providing early adopters with rapid time to market and a very compelling product.