The new ZNT-boost product by Zyvex Technologies adds increased toughness without compromising on strength and stiffness and unlike most toughening systems Zyvex say this product doesn’t force you to compromise on one property to increase another. ZNT-boost often increases the toughness of the composite up to 100% while increasing the stiffness and strength up to 30%.

ZNT-boost is easy to use with standard composite processing systems and is likely the simplest way to leverage the benefits of carbon nanomaterials. No process changes need to be made and no changes are required in your catalysts or curing agents when using ZNT-boost.

In deploying the first commercial adoption of ZNT-boost, Zyvex Technologies worked closely with Composites Universal Group (CUG) located in Scappoose, Oregon. CUG fabricates components and assemblies for customers needing the high strength and low-weight properties of advanced composites materials.

ZNT-boost is available in two forms: liquid and dry flake (powder) for most epoxy-based composite applications that include prepreg, VARTM, infusions, and hand layup. ZNT-boost works with most forms of epoxy, vinyl esters and polyesters.

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The new partnership will combine large-scale manufacturing capabilities with commercialisation expertise – unleashing limitless potential for enhanced consumer products across the globe.

OCSiAl is known for creating the world’s largest low-cost and scalable production of graphene tubes under the brand name TUBALL, while Zyvex Technologies is the acknowledged leader in the field of carbon nanomaterial applications. Zyvex’ nanotechnology-based products are already integrated in a number of products, ranging from Easton sporting goods to Airbus next generation materials research.

Lance Criscuolo, President of Zyvex Technologies said;

We are thrilled to join OCSiAl, Zyvex was the first recognised nano materials company in the United States. Now with support from OCSiAl, Zyvex will be in an even better position to bring the potential of nanotechnology into powerful commercial reality.

Zyvex Technologies will continue to operate with its own distinct brand identity and product line while contributing to the growth of OCSiAl. The combined team will have a presence on six continents and will have 160 dedicated business and R&D staff.

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Global Maritime Security Solutions, a maritime security company based in Dubai, will deploy the vessels for maritime security, including piracy protection, off the coast of Africa and surrounding areas.

The new vessel is built using Arovex, a carbon fibre nano-composite system which is a carbon fibre reinforced plastic enhanced with carbon nanotubes, this will significantly reduced the overall structural weight of the vessel which allows for greater fuel efficiency and increased range. This is the first time nano-composites have been used as the primary material for a manned vessel.

The LRV-17 is modeled on the Piranha Unmanned Surface Vessel, which debuted in 2010. Byron Nutley, Vice President of Zyvex Technologies and General Manager of Zyvex Marine.

As the first molecular nanotechnology engineering company in the marine industry, we are proud to launch a manned vessel platform after successfully proving the unmanned platform and then introducing the industry’s lightest and most durable doors, hatches, and other marine closures. These applications of nano-composites are advancing commercial and defense partners’ capabilities when it comes to safety and efficiency

The 17 metre (57-foot) vessel uses an active gyroscope stabiliser for improved sea handling and decreased human fatigue factors. It is fully deployable with only two operators and can be equipped with an additional four shock-mitigating seats for support personnel, allowing six crew to remain at sea for over five days. Zyvex Marine performed primary design and engineering, with secondary engineering, installation, and test analysis being performed by partners Pacific Coast Marine, S3 Maritime, Eltech Electric, Seakeeper, and Donald L. Blount and Associates.

The security firm plans to launch a Merchant Vessel Convoy Escort Program by deploying security teams to operate two LRV-17s to protect ships en route. According to the Council on Foreign Relations, there were 439 worldwide piracy attacks in 2011. One report estimated the piracy impact on the global economy to be $7 billion for 2011, the most detailed estimate to date.

Rhynhardt Berrange, Managing Director of GMSS

“The new LRV-17 boats are game changers in maritime security missions because they are the only vessels capable of long range escort and high speeds to deal with multiple pirate threats. They need only small security teams to effectively operate. These attributes create a cost-effective platform to ensure maritime security. The visible presence of the new vessels is expected to deter and help prevent piracy attempts and attacks

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Zyvex Marine, the maker of the 54’ boat Piranha that weighs over 3,500 kilos, would have weighed 18,000 kilos with traditional materials, is a leader in watercraft and component manufacturing using carbon nanotube-enhanced carbon fiber materials.
Pacific Coast Marine, specialises in marine closures for almost 30 years worked with Zyvex during the last year to develop doors, hatches and closures for current watercraft produced by Zyvex Marine. Now recognising greater commercial opportunities for lightweight doors and hatches on its boats, Pacific Coast Marine and Zyvex are unveiling a door that weighs 66% less than a traditional door – from 150 pounds to just 50 pounds each – and is more durable.

Pacific Coast Marine used Zyvex Technologies’ nano-enhanced carbon fibre technology called Arovex, which is a carbon nanotube and graphene engineered composite material that uses the proprietary Kentera technology to create chemical bonds on the carbon nanotubes.

Components and samples will debut at the HiPer Craft 2012 Expo in Norfolk, Virginia from June 26-27, booth 117/119.

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Using the nanotechnology resources of Zyvex Technologies and its supply chain to commercialise products with the nanoparticle processing expertise of NanoFabrix, the companies will produce custom carbon nanotube-enhanced composite materials to improve the electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness of advanced composite materials.

In addition to EMI shielding, specifically in cockpit electronics, NanoFabrix surface enhancements are currently being evaluated for aerospace applications for anti-icing and de-icing of the lift surfaces and protection against solid-particle erosion and wear of the turbojet turbine blades.

Lance Criscuolo, president of Zyvex Technologies said;

Advanced composite materials are already being used on today’s performance aircraft due to their low weight, high strength, and increased longevity, inclusion of nanomaterials in the structural composites improves already favorable characteristics including safety and fuel-efficiency.

NanoFabrix surface enhancements improve upon the performance characteristics of virtually any composite material, including low-cost glass fibre composites. Recent studies at the Air Force Research Laboratory and University of Dayton Research Institute validate NanoFabrix’s success with a shielding effectiveness range greater than 90dB on a glassfibre epoxy composite, which results in significant weight reduction for an aircraft, as well as increased payload and range.

NanoFabrix have been working collboratively with research and academic institutions such as the Richard E. Smalley Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology at Rice University, to further aid in conceptualising, testing, and commercialisation of these advanced composite materials.

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This new bicycle rim gives a significant competitive advantage to the downhill cycling market as proven during the last year in development and testing. The ENVE DH rim provides performance benefits to all downhill cyclists including those that compete at the highest levels of World Cup racing.

ENVE used Zyvex’s nano-enhanced carbon fibre Arovex product, which is a carbon nanotube and graphene engineered composite material that uses the proprietary Kentera technology to create chemical bonds on the carbon nanotubes. It provides an advantage in toughness without compromising strength. It also protects from fracture damage.

The Most notable feature is increases in durability, strength, and stiffness over traditional alloy offerings on the market. During a season some of the top level teams will need to change rims more than 180 times. World Cup downhill racing champion Steve Peat raced on one pair of the ENVE DH wheels during the entire 2011 season. Traditional aluminium rims historically lasted him a mere one to three runs.

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In early 2009, the world’s first commercialized carbon nanotube enhanced (CNTe) carbon fiber material, Arovex, enabled the design of a prototype vessel called the 540SE. Setting new standards for fuel efficiency and performance, the lightweight 540SE hull offered a 75% reduction in fuel consumption costs, translating to increased range and lower operating costs.

In 2010, Zyvex manufactured its first prototype craft, the Piranha, taking it from the drawing board and into the water in under a year. Setting new standards in range, speed, sea keeping and payload, the Piranha is a generational leap beyond boats built out of traditional materials like fibreglass or aluminum.

“Any company can unveil an eye-catching concept or a photo render of a boat,” said Russell Belden, Vice President of Design at Zyvex Marine, “We built the Piranha and proved that our designs and technology deliver unmatched performance.”

Zyvex Marine is headquartered in a state-of-the-art facility near Seattle, WA. “Our production facility is closer to rocket science than traditional boat building,” said Byron Nutley, Vice President and General Manager of Zyvex Marine. “We are the only company building boats out of nanomaterials. Zyvex Marine designs and builds the most advanced maritime platforms in the world.”

Composite materials, such as Zyvex’s nano-enhanced carbon fiber Arovex, continue to see greater adoption among boat operators as increased fuel efficiency and reduction in operating costs continue to be primary concerns in the industry. George Marsh, editor of materials magazine Reinforced Plastics, reported on Zyvex in his article Prepregs Boost Marine Quality.

Aircraft builders became convinced some time ago, but constructors of marine craft have followed suit, as customers for yachts and commercial craft seek top performance with structures that are exceptionally light, stiff, and strong.

The estimated $2 million Piranha has already demonstrated a fuel consumption rate of 12 gallons per hour at a cruising speed of 24 knots. Compared to a traditional boat’s consumption of 50 gallons per hour, a 54’ craft from Zyvex offers a 75% reduction in fuel consumption costs.

Zyvex Marine is developing new maritime platforms based on the Piranha’s success and customer demand. Two new platforms will be unveiled later this year.

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