Nanovip – Nanotechnology JournalNanocomposite, Nanomaterials, Nanomedicine, Nanometers, Nanoparticles, Nanoporous silicon, Nanoscience, Nanosilver, Nanostructure, Nanostructures, Nanosystems, Nanotech Jobs, Microbiology, Molecules, Nanites, Graphene nanoribbon, Nanoscale, Nanomedicine, Nanometer, Nano-gear, Nanotubes, NanowiresNanotechnology Journal - Nanotechnology Companies Nanotechnology Jobs - Nanotechnology Research

Subscribe via email

Grab our RSS Feed

New Carbon nanotube plant

A new carbon nanotube (CNTs) manufacturing plant, with a capacity of 200 metric tons has been opened by Bayer MaterialScience. The new plant which is situated at CHEMPARK Leverkusen has cost the company around EUR 22 million in planning, development and construction.

The company aims to get a head start in supplying carbon nanotubes which is a key technology of the future. It has already started marketing its nanotube products under the name Baytubes®

Dr. Joachim Wolff, a member of Bayer MaterialScience’s Executive Committee and head of the Coatings, Adhesives, and Specialties segment says the market is expected to grow by 25 percent annually and is likely to be worth US$ 2 billion within ten years. Nanotechnology is also expected to create around 100,000 new jobs in Germany in the near future.

The company has ‘outstanding infrastructure, easy access to raw material and power supplies, sophisticated waste management technology and a highly qualified workforce, including specialists’ according to Dr. Steffen Kühling, head of Production and Technology in the Coatings, Adhesives, Specialties segment of Bayer MaterialScience.

Bayer MaterialScience – which has a pilot facility in Laufenburg, producing 60 metric tons a year- is one of few companies capable of producing large scale, high quality CNTs.
CNTs are made in a reactor using a catalytic process. The main raw material used is ethylene which is placed in the reactor at high temperatures. Kühling believes that nanotechnology will become a dominant branch of industry in Germany ‘offering attractive job prospects, innovative products and competitive solutions.’

Baytubes® are modifications of carbon which can increase mechanical strength and pass on electrical properties when added as a filler or modifier to polymer matrices or metal systems.
Thermoplastic and thermoset systems and coatings are just some of the applications of Baytubes®. The can also reduce abrasion when applied as coatings to ships. They can also reduce fuel consumption by reducing the flow resistance between the ship’s hull and the water. The potential is immense as they could also be used in the blades of wind turbines, skis, hockey sticks and other sports equipment.
Wolff also explained the importance of Nanotechnology and the role it could play in various industries. Some of the examples of nanotechnology applications include information technology, medicine and energy supply.

Bayer has also implemented a program for the safe usage of Baytubes® carbon nanotubes, this includes the safe handling of Baytubes® during production, processing and application. It also has a waste management plan in place.

Nanovip