Fiscal Year:
2007
Title:
Biocide Encapsulated Nanotubes for Cellulosic Composite Construction Materials
Agency:
USDA
Contract:
2007-33610-17977
Award Amount:
$80,000.00
Abstract:
"The U. S. forest products industry had sales of $262B in 1997, two thirds
being used for building construction. The use of wood for home construction is
an effective, efficient, environmentally friendly, renewable construction material.
A problem in using wood is its susceptibility to mold, fungi, and termite
infestation, resulting in over $1B/year damage and heighten health concerns.
The goal of this project is to develop broad-spectrum biocide-impregnated
halloysites (termed NanoCides), and to incorporate them into various wood/
wood composite materials such as oriented strand board (OSB), medium density
fiberboard (MDF), ceiling tile, etc. Commercially available biocides will be
selected for their ability to protect wood from decay fungi, mold, bacteria and
termites. Halloysite is a naturally occurring extremely inexpensive inert
aluminosilicate clay that is composed of nanotubes. Encapsulating biocides into
halloysite nanotubes will facilitate incorporation of heat labile biocides into wood
composite materials, protect and keep biocide dormant until needed and release
biocide at a controlled rate. Phase I will be focused on the development of
NanoCide and incorporation of NanoCide into MDF. Through a current
Cooperative Research Agreement with the Forest Products Laboratory, we are
investigating NanoCide loading levels required for MDF. During Phase I,
controlled-release experiments will also be performed and the effective efficacy
will be determined (i.e., biocide lifetime, biocide protection). Variations in
NanoCide preparation will be conducted in an attempt to adjust the rate of
biocide release to desired levels and methodology for incorporating NanoCide
into MDF will be developed."
Small Business Information at Submission:
NanoDynamics Life Sciences, Inc.
100 Technology Dr. Suite 420 Pittsburgh, PA 15219
EIN/Tax ID:
203280610
DUNS:
N/A
Number of Employees:
N/A
Woman-Owned:
No
Minority-Owned:
No
HUBZone-Owned:
No