DARPA Testing New Advanced Nanotech a.k.a. “Nano-Enhanced” Hybrid Armor (Body Armor and Vehicle Armor): Armor Nanotechnology Takes Another Step Forward

The following is a NanoRidge Materials, Inc. / SouthWest NanoTechnologies, Inc. press release:

New Hybrid Armor Incorporates Specialty Multi-wall Carbon Nanotube Material to Protect Soldiers and Law Enforcement Officers from Small Arms Fire

NORMAN, OK, August 19, 2010 – SouthWest NanoTechnologies, Inc. (SWeNT) the leading manufacturer of single-wall and Specialty Multi-Wall (SMW™) carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is manufacturing specialty multi-wall carbon nanotubes for NanoRidge Materials, Inc. These CNTs are being incorporated into enhanced body armor to improve protection of soldiers and law enforcement officers from small arms fire.

SWeNT’s SMW100 will be used in a highly advanced nanotechnology application to create stronger, lighter armor that fundamentally improves its resistance to impact and reduces the penetration depth of a bullet.

This new hybrid armor, which will be manufactured by NanoRidge customer Riley Solutions Inc., (RSI) has been selected by the Defense Advanced Research Program Agency (DARPA) to undergo rigorous testing and evaluation against the most destructive small arms fire.

“Once it has passed testing, the armor will provide U.S. military and law enforcement personnel better, lighter and less costly armor than has been available before,” explains Kyle Kissell Ph.D, and RSI’s Technical Advisor. “NanoRidge selected SWeNT’s SMW100 after evaluating many different products and believes that its characteristics and commercial scalability will meet the needs of our nation’s protectors while saving lives.”

“SouthWest NanoTechnologies is proud to be providing NanoRidge and Riley Solutions with SMW100 for use in these groundbreaking, nano-enhanced armor products,” explains SWeNT CEO Dave Arthur. “Our patented CoMoCAT® process enables us to produce the desired quality and at a cost and in quantities needed to meet the sizable demand that is expected.”

“SWeNT SMW100 is an excellent choice for this armor application because it is affordable, easy to disperse in polymers, and forms extremely robust networks that enhance the structural performance of the composites,” says NanoRidge CEO Chris Lundberg. “Additionally, SWeNT’s domestic production and proven ability to deliver consistent quality are critical for the Department of Defense.”

About NanoRidge Materials, Inc.:

NanoRidge Materials, Inc. is a manufacturer of high-performance nanocomposite materials and composite components. Their materials and composite structures incorporate carbon nanotubes for dramatically improved properties that are of significant value to customers in aerospace, military, oil & gas, chemical, and construction markets. NanoRidge Materials, Inc. is a graduate company of the Houston Technology Center, a business accelerator that assists Houston-based emerging technology companies by providing in-depth business guidance, access to capital, professional services and entrepreneurial education.

About SWeNT:

SouthWest NanoTechnologies, Inc. (SWeNT) is a privately-held specialty chemical company that manufactures high quality single-wall and specialty multi-wall carbon nanotubes, printable inks and CNT-coated fabrics for a range of products and applications including energy-efficient lighting, affordable photovoltaics, improved energy storage and printed electronics. SWeNT was created in 2001 to spin off nanotube research developed at the University of Oklahoma. For more information, please visit www.swentnano.com.

Contact:

Andrew Lavin
A. Lavin Communications
516-944-4486
alc@alavin.com
www.alavin.com