Dec 14 2009
The Office of Naval Research has awarded NanoMech, LLC a contract for approximately $770,000 to complete development of a new, nanostructured lubricant additive called NanoGlide®. The Navy aims to increase durability and improve energy efficiency of naval components and systems through use of this advanced technology. NanoGlide is a unique multi-component, extreme-pressure nanoparticle-based additive that originated from nanomanufacturing research at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. NanoMech has an exclusive license to commercialize this patent-pending technology.
NanoGlide will improve energy efficiency of naval components. (Photo: Business Wire)
Friction is one of the major reasons for failure of vital engineering components and systems used in Navy, aerospace, and industrial applications. The annual cost of friction and wear-related energy and material losses is estimated to be 5% to 7% of the gross national product.
“NanoMech’s development of this breakthrough product marks a significant improvement in performance by an environmentally sustainable additive that can save energy,” said Neil Canter, a lubricant industry expert and a Contributing Editor to the industry’s widely-read Tribology and Lubrication Technology magazine. “The combination of solid lubricant nanoparticles with environmentally friendly organic additives provides a unique set of properties that are not matched by any additive commercially available today.”
“NanoMech represents the type of high-tech manufacturing and product development that can increase top-paying jobs in the State of Arkansas, evidenced by this important contract with the U.S. Navy,” said James M. Phillips, Chairman of NanoMech. “We are especially grateful to Senator Pryor and Congressman Boozman for supporting NanoMech's efforts to develop innovations that generate knowledge-based jobs and help protect our Armed Forces while driving safer, environmentally sound efficiencies for our naval fleet.”
“This award validates the world-class nano science and engineering research going on at the University of Arkansas as it moves into commercialization and creation of breakthrough products and manufacturing processes,” added Ajay Malshe, Co-Founder and CTO of NanoMech.