Military contracts for CNT materials

CONCORD, N.H., Nov. 17 (UPI) -- The U.S. Defense Department will receive carbon nanotube materials for various program needs from New Hampshire's Nanocomp Technologies Inc.

The service is through the Defense Production Act Title III program, which is to create assured, affordable and commercially viable production of technology that has been specifically identified as essential for national defense, "but where U.S. industry cannot be reasonably expected to deliver due to market conditions and other fiscal barriers," the company said.

Under the award, Nanocomp will provide CNT sheet and yarn material, which are used in the design programs of several critical DOD and NASA applications.

"To maintain a competitive edge in defense, there is an urgent need for a new generation of multi-functional materials to improve combat systems in space, air, ground and sea," said Peter Antoinette, president and chief executive officer of Nanocomp Technologies. "We are extremely proud that our CNT material can deliver these strategic advantages and our efforts now turn to creating a full-scale production facility that will help the United States maintain its tactical military edge and continue the path towards broad insertion of carbon nanotube-based products across commercial industry."

CNT materials are important for several next-generation military platforms and components, including lightweight body and vehicle armor with superior strength; improved structural components for satellites and aircraft; enhanced shielding on a broad array of military systems -- from electromagnetic interference and directed energy; and lightweight cable and wiring.

"While U.S. industry has achieved nominal CNT production rates for demonstration and evaluation purposes, we recognize that production volume must be expanded to meet current and projected national security requirements," said Mark Buffler, program director, DPA Title III program. "We have therefore applied the authorities of Title III of the Defense Production Act to stimulate the investment into a timely expansion of cost-competitive, flexible and responsive manufacturing capabilities in support of the country's anticipated needs."