Jan 18 2010
NanoMech, LLC has been awarded a contract for $350,000 to continue development of new, nano-engineered materials for body armor. The contract comes from KDH Defense Systems, Inc. in Johnstown, PA, a leading designer and supplier of body armor to the military and law enforcement agencies.
NanoMech is an advanced materials and nanomanufacturing company integrating nanomaterials to develop and commercialize high-value products. US military personnel and law enforcement officers providing security in the post-9/11 era have a heightened need for body armor that is high strength yet flexible.
"NanoMech's expertise in nanomaterials and nanomanufacturing is what led us to partner with them and establish leadership in this space," said Jeff Payne, Project Manager at KDH.
Current body armor tends to be heavy and bulky, limiting the mobility of troops and reducing their endurance. A soldier may carry a pack with weapons, body armor and other gear that together weigh up to 130 pounds. Nano-engineered materials promise to increase the strength-to-weight ratio, allowing armor systems to maintain their effectiveness in stopping projectiles and fragmentation from explosives, while reducing weight and providing greater flexibility. Also, nanomaterials can provide additional functionality such as antimicrobial protection.
Dr. Ajay P. Malshe, Co-Founder and CTO of NanoMech, adds "Innovations in nanomaterials represent key landmarks for this century, and applying those innovations to increase security of our troops and law enforcement officers is an incredible opportunity. We are excited about our partnership with KDH and working with them to bring advanced body armor products to the market, while at the same time creating jobs in Arkansas and Pennsylvania."
"These research funds and associated partnership will over time lead to amazing advances in nano-based armor providing far better protection for America's troops, pilots, and public safety officials," said James M. Phillips, Chairman of NanoMech. "Materials engineered at the nano scale provide better results, and NanoMech is a leader in making this happen in nano-coatings, lubricants and other nano-engineered materials."
NanoMech, a technology company based in Springdale, Ark., develops, designs, and manufactures patented and proprietary application-specific nanoparticle additives, nanoparticle-based coatings and coating deposition systems. The company was recently recognized for "Excellence in Innovation" by the U.S. Department of Commerce.