Nanocomp Technologies, Inc., a developer of advanced performance materials and component products from carbon nanotubes (CNTs), today announced it has been awarded an extension to its existing development contract with the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center in Massachusetts. The new contract modifies one signed in August 2008 between the parties to develop carbon nanotube materials for the purpose of improving body armor.
Earlier in 2009, Nanocomp successfully stopped 9MM bullets in controlled ballistics testing with CNT composite panels several millimeters thick. The company will use the funding to further develop and refine its CNT products with the goal of expanding upon these encouraging initial results.
"We have worked with the Army Natick Soldier Systems Center for the past several years and have made significant progress toward the ultimate goal of delivering lighter weight, advanced body armor solutions for U.S. servicemen and women," said Peter Antoinette, president and CEO of Nanocomp Technologies. "But there is still plenty of work left to do and today's announcement underscores the Army's clear commitment to continue the development of next-generation body armor."
"When fully proven, this advance could also supply lightweight armor protection for vehicles and aircraft," he said.
Nanocomp Technologies produces large area CNT sheets and conductive yarns for a number of additional military applications, including EMI shielding and a lighter weight replacement for copper wiring in aerospace electrical systems, which would yield significant savings in fuel costs.
