Flow Polymers has received a Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant to enhance the unique nano-filler technology for tire innerliners.
The value of the award was $143,984 funded by the National Science Foundation. Flow Polymers is a producer of custom and proprietary performance additives, homogenizing agents, process aids, and chemical dispersions for plastic and rubber markets globally, and also specializes in additive technologies. It focuses on the development of new products that fulfill the present and future needs of the customers.
Michael Ivany, CEO and President of Flow Polymers, stated that the company was pleased to gain the support through the Phase I SBIR award granted by the National Science Foundation. This grant will provide support for developing a revolutionized novel nanotechnology platform, which allows the company to grow and introduce new products in the following years, he added.
According to Ivany, with respect to the market requirements and the expected effect of the new technology together with the existing worldwide demand for fuel-efficient vehicles, enhanced user-safety, and decreased CO2 emissions, there exists a necessity for innerliner materials with advanced barrier attributes in the tire industry. The company’s advanced nano-filler technology will fulfill these requirements in a way that makes implementation easier for the customers of the company as well as have less impact on the environment.