CSECTION TITLE OMPOSITES
toothbrush head – but billions of times over, creating a carpet- like design. In composites, VACNT act like a ‘nano-velcro’, solving one of the biggest issues with common composites: interlaminar cracking or delamination. Applied as a thin fi lm that contains trillions of VACNT - which we call ‘NAWAStitch’ - between the layers of carbon fi bre, our technology reinforces the weakest parts of the composite. Tests have shown that NAWAStitch can create a composite with a 900% increase in impact damage tolerance, while also off ering a 20-30% reduction in weight. Applications are multiple, but in the
sports equipment world that might be the side frame of a tennis racquet or the tip of a golf club. By making composites ultra-strong, our technology delivers increased strength by a factor of 100 and shock resistance enhancement by a factor of 10. T is solution also greatly improves subsystems for aerospace and aviation. For example, the game- changing properties of our technology can bring anti-icing and de-icing benefi ts, alongside structural health monitoring or even structural energy storage, giving a composite component in this industry multifunctional capabilities. So, in eff ect, you get a lighter, stronger, more advanced composite.
NAWAStitch is a thin fi lm containing trillions of VACNT
Positive ripple eff ects will also be felt in automotive, where our nano- material’s innovative combination of greater strength combined with the ability to carry electric current can be applied to next-generation composite electric vehicle battery casings. T ese will not only be stronger and safer, but because VACNT can carry an electrical current, they off er the ability to keep the battery at a constant temperature, avoiding the requirement for additional thermal management, therefore helping to prolong the performance and life of the cells inside.
HYDROGEN FUEL CELL IMPACT VACNT can also be used in next- generation hydrogen fuel cell catalysts, where they boost performance of the platinum catalyst. In fact, we have just facilitated some preliminary testing of the technology and I can reveal the results are phenomenal. T is cutting- edge 3D nanoscale solution, based on high permeability channels, results in improved lifetime, less use of platinum or enhanced power at constant M². In the coming months we’ll be able to share the full fundings of our test program but, suffi ce to say, the opportunities resulting from this piece of NAWA R&D for manufacturers of heavy vehicles, such as trucks and buses, are huge. Having spent, day after day,
Antoine Saucier is the CEO of NAWA Technologies
perfecting our vision and optimising our technologies, NAWA stands on the cusp
NAWAStitch delivers a lighter, stronger and more advanced composite
of something truly great. In a world where big changes are being promised every day, it’s our nano technology that off ers the greatest potential in the spaces it operates within.
Antoine Saucier is the CEO of NAWA Technologies.
www.nawatechnologies.com
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