SouthWest NanoTechnologies, a pioneer in superior quality carbon nanotubes, has been awarded a consent order from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to produce and supply multi-wall carbon nanotubes for commercial purposes.
SouthWest NanoTechnologies will sell its multi-wall carbon nanotubes under the trademark of SWeNT specialty multi-wall (SMW). The company now becomes the only manufacturer in the United States permitted to commercially supply both single- and multi-wall carbon nanotubes. Earlier, the company supplied its specialty multi-wall products through a PMN exemption of low release, low exposure (LOREX) from the EPA.
SWeNT SMW100
The EPA issued this consent order as per the Toxic Control Substances Act, which defines carbon nanotubes of every company as a new chemical material. It demands that producers who plan to produce and supply carbon nanotubes in commercial quantities should obtain a consent order before the actual production and supply. However, LOREX exemption allows suppliers to distribute small amounts of carbon nanotubes for research and development activities.
According to the consent order, SouthWest NanoTechnologies’ SWeNT SMW carbon nanotubes can be utilized as additives in elastomers, thermoplastics and resins for improved electrical properties and mechanical reinforcement. The SMW carbon nanotubes can also be utilized commercially for metallic foil coatings for the production of batteries and fabric composites.
The Chief Executive Officer at SouthWest NanoTechnologies, Dave Arthur stated that the company is now the only manufacturer in the US with the capacity, production personnel and permission in place to meet the commercial demand for both single-wall and superior performance multi-wall carbon nanotubes.