NaturalNano Inc., a nanotechnology company whose primary business is discovering, refining, and commercializing naturally occurring nanomaterials, announced today it will be honored as the "First Nano Company Exploiting Naturally Formed Nanotubes" at the NanoBusiness 2005 conference in New York City.
Michael Riedlinger, NaturalNano President, will introduce the business community to the company's nanomaterials in the NanoBusiness 2005 "Nano Firsts" plenary panel on Tuesday, May 24 at 11:00 a.m.
The presentation will focus on the characteristics and applications of naturally occurring halloysite nanotubes, hollow tubes with high aspect ratios that are tens to hundreds of nanometers (billionths of a meter) in diameter, with lengths typically ranging from about 500 nanometers to over 1.2 microns (millionths of a meter). Their unique geometry enables them to be used for storing, delivering and controlling the release of various chemicals and materials, making possible a wide range of commercial applications.
Mr. Riedlinger will discuss the use of the halloysite nanotubes in composites, electronics, cosmetics, and many other applications.
"We are honored to be named the 'First Nano Company Exploiting Naturally Formed Nanotubes,'" said Mr. Riedlinger. "This conference represents a tremendous opportunity for us to introduce our proprietary technology for extracting and separating nanotubes from halloysite clay to a large audience of scientists, engineers, business leaders, and investors. We look forward to showcasing the various uses of the halloysite nanotubes and discussing the many applications for commercialization."
Mined at the Atlas Mining Dragon Mine in Utah, halloysite is readily available in large quantities and does not require the fabrication infrastructure normally associated with manufacturing of other types of nanotubes. Earlier this year, NaturalNano Inc. entered into a contract with Atlas Mining Company to acquire 500 tons of processed halloysite.
NaturalNano's team of scientists is developing commercial applications for halloysite nanotubes as additives in polymers and plastics, electronic components, cosmetics, and absorbents. NaturalNano is making samples available to prospective customers in these industries.
The Company has rights to pending patents that cover processes, compositions, and derivatives. More than 200 different commercial applications have been identified. It is also developing proprietary, patent-pending extraction, separation, and classification technologies to enable production of more uniform material to meet the higher standards required for advanced applications.
