Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: NaturalNano Announces Successful Pilot-Scale Demonstration of Halloysite Nanotubes in Polypropylene

Home > Press > NaturalNano Announces Successful Pilot-Scale Demonstration of Halloysite Nanotubes in Polypropylene

Abstract:
NaturalNano, Inc. (OTCBB: NNAN) (FWB: N3N) ( http://www.naturalnano.com ), a materials science company, today announced the successful pilot-scale dispersion of the Company's proprietary, functionalized halloysite nanotubes (HNT™) in polypropylene at levels ranging from 5% to 13%. Following closely on the recent production of a nylon Pleximer at the manufacturing scale, this latest result is another step toward a complete line of Pleximer products that will improve the mechanical properties of many polymer composites. Further trials with polypropylene will follow involving higher loadings of HNTs and production-scale equipment. Pleximer, which NaturalNano plans to offer commercially in fourth quarter 2007, is a turn-key nanocomposite additive enabling stronger, lighter, and less expensive materials for the $40 billion dollar polymer composite industry.

NaturalNano Announces Successful Pilot-Scale Demonstration of Halloysite Nanotubes in Polypropylene

ROCHESTER, NY | Posted on February 22nd, 2007

"We are very encouraged by this first pilot-scale demonstration of HNTs in polypropylene," stated Cathy Fleischer, PhD, President and CTO of NaturalNano. She noted that historically it has been difficult to disperse nanoclays in polypropylene because of the polymer's hydrophobic properties. "The fact that we can perform runs under standard machine conditions and get excellent dispersion is quite promising," Fleischer said. The highly concentrated polypropylene Pleximer product would be added to pure polypropylene in the final molding process by the manufacturer to obtain nanocomposite materials with the desired properties for a wide range of applications, including automotive, fabrics, fibers, and packaging.

In addition to the excellent dispersion of HNTs in polypropylene, this trial run once again demonstrated the improved properties that Pleximer additives impart to polymer nanocomposite materials. The modulus—a measure of stiffness—of the polypropylene composite containing treated HNTs was almost double that of polypropylene alone. In addition to the extra stiffness, tensile strength was increased while maintaining the desirable elongation properties of the polymer.

Traditional layered nanoclays require extra processing and specialized equipment to separate the layers and disperse them throughout a polymer system. NaturalNano's HNTs, utilizing the Company's proprietary, patent-pending formulation and processes, do not require an extra separation step, and can be run on standard equipment, enabling manufacturers to produce nanocomposites without additional capital investment.

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About NaturalNano
NaturalNano, Inc. (OTCBB:NNAN) (FWB:N3N) is a nanomaterials company developing proprietary technologies and processes for providing novel properties for a wide range of applications. These include industrial polymers, plastics and composites; and additives to cosmetics, agricultural, and household products. NaturalNano holds over twenty issued or pending patents and proprietary know-how for extraction and separation processes, of halloysite and other nanotubes, in combination with other materials for a wide range of applications.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements regarding future events and future performance of NaturalNano that involve risks and uncertainties that could materially affect actual results. This information is qualified in its entirety by cautionary statements and risk factors disclosure contained in certain of NaturalNano's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The most recent annual reports on Form 10-KSB and quarterly reports on Form 10-QSB filed by NaturalNano provide information about these factors, which may be revised or supplemented in future reports to the SEC on those forms or on Form 8-K. We caution investors not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and we do not undertake any obligation to update or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or other such factors that affect the subject of these statements, except where expressly required by law.

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Contacts:
Investor Relations:
PR Financial Marketing, LLC
Jim Blackman, 713-256-0369

or
Media:
NaturalNano, Inc.
Ginny Brandreth, 585-214-0599

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