Applied Nanotech Holdings has been awarded a Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant of US$999,990 from the US Department of Energy to develop ultra lightweight hydrogen fuel tanks using carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforcement.
This grant was awarded for a two-year programme with the overall objective to significantly improve the mechanical properties of the carbon fibre/epoxy material used to construct hydrogen fuel tanks with CNT reinforcement. The goal is to reduce the weight of the tanks by 20% or more to significantly lower hydrogen fuel tank costs and increase vehicles’ fuel efficiency.
In addition to hydrogen storage vessels, the technology can also be used in compressed natural gas tanks. The International Association of Natural Gas Vehicles reported that sales of composite pressure vessels are expected to reach US$250m by 2013, and upwards of US$560m by the end of the decade.
“We are currently working with a variety of organisations 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 Dongsheng Mao, Vice President of Engineering of Applied Nanotech.
Applied Nanotech has developed CNT reinforced polymers for fibre composites for a range of applications. Yonex Corporation uses Applied Nanotech technology in its ultra lightweight badminton racquets and golf club shafts. Applied Nanotech also recently launched CNTstixTM, a range of structural epoxy adhesives.
“Nanocomposite materials are a very important part of our business. We are aiming to accelerate the commercialisation 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 armour, vehicle and helicopter ballistic armour, and other applications,” said Zvi Yaniv, Chief Executive of Applied Nanotech. “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 programme could result in a product that can be immediately introduced to market.”
