CMPND

Two weeks after opening its production facility at the National Composite Center (NCC) in July 2009, NanoSperse was shipping product to its customers. “Speed to market is a hallmark of NanoSperse’s success,” said NanoSperse President and CEO, Art Fritts. Fritts said there’s a tremendous interest from numerous business sectors in using nanocomposites in new or existing products. NanoSperse’s focus is to offer these companies the ability to design and develop new materials specific to their needs; then transition them quickly to market.

For example, NanoSperse’s began producing a Sand Erosion Protection Film that provides increased erosion protection and superior durability for a composite part in an engine application. The nano-enhanced film is co-cured with a composite structure – which eliminates painting, reduces costs by more than 50 percent, and provides for improved durability.  NanoSperse works closely with customers to provide surfaces with multi-functionality – such as thermal or electrical conductivity for electromagnetic interference shielding and anti-icing protection.

The erosion protection film was developed and commercialized under an Ohio Department of Development (ODOD)-funded Research Commercialization Program (RCP), “Protective Integrated Coatings for Extreme Environments,” awarded in August 2008. Under the program, NanoSperse is working with the entire all-Ohio RCP team, which spans the entire supply chain.  Team members include: Maverick Corp., Hartzell Corp., North Coast Composites, Renegade Materials Corp., Vector Composites, Goodrich Corp., GE Aviation, the Air Force Research Laboratory, the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI), University of Akron, and the Center for Multifunctional Polymer Nanomaterials and Devices (CMPND).

“CMPND was instrumental in this collaboration by encouraging essential supply chain management,” said Fritts. “Because of our ability to work with the entire supply chain, the erosion protection film was developed and transitioned to production within the first year of a three-year Third Frontier project and has resulted in real job creation in the State.  We are proud to be part of this effort and CMPND clearly played a leadership role in its success.”

NanoSperse has a tremendous partnership with the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) which developed scalable dispersion technologies along with researchers at the Air Force Research Laboratory.  These technologies are being leveraged through activities at the UDRI/CMPND facilities located at the National Composite Center.

“Dispersion is the key to unlocking the benefits of nanomaterials within a host material,” said Fritts. “Recognizing this, we developed the ability to disperse nanoparticles in customer-specified resins and polymers.  Thus, the customer leverages NanoSperse assets for handling and dispersing nanomaterials while maximizing the value they can create in their business.” 
**

NanoSperse is a design and manufacturing company dedicated to improving durability, reliability and functionality of defense, aerospace, and industrial composites. NanoSperse specializes in producing uniform dispersion of nanomaterials which are used as feedstocks for advanced composites. Consistent, uniform dispersion of nano particles is critical to achieve thermal, electrical, and mechanical performance in the next generation of advanced composites. NanoSperse supplies custom intermediate resin and polymer systems as required by its customers.

 The Center for Multifunctional Polymer Nanomaterials and Devices (CMPND) leads a research and commercialization partnership in polymer nanotechnology. This multi-institutional, interdisciplinary organization is centered at The Ohio State University in conjunction with research university partners, University of Akron, University of Dayton, University of Toledo, Kent State University, and Wright State University. CMPND puts Ohio at the forefront of nanotechnology research and commercialization opportunities. Other partners include three additional Ohio universities, and more than 60 large and small companies in Ohio. CMPND helps identify markets that build on the research strengths of the participating universities and national labs, and develops manufacturing protocols and nanostructures for near-term industrial polymeric nanocomposites, emerging polymer photonic components and devices, and more futuristic biomedical devices and systems with nanoscale functions.

Working with its partners across business, state and local governments, academia, and the non-profit sector, the Ohio Department of Development works to attract, create, grow, and retain businesses through competitive incentives and targeted investments. Engaged every day in marketing, innovating, investing, and collaborating, the Ohio Department of Development works at the speed of business to accelerate and support the teamwork that is absolutely necessary for success by providing financial, informational, and technical assistance to those making an investment in Ohio’s future.

NanoSperse opened its manufacturing facility at the National Composite Center (NCC) in July 2009, and was shipping product 2 weeks later.  The 8,000-square-foot facility is capable of producing 1 million pounds of nanodispersed product a year.  NanoSperse specializes in producing uniform dispersion of nanomaterials which are used as feedstocks for advanced composites.