Back to Company SearchSBIR SUCCESS STORY Molecular Rebar Design
Molecular Rebar Design, LLC (MRD) converts as made bundles of carbon nanotubes into discrete carbon nanotubes called MOLECULAR REBAR that dramatically change physical properties at low concentrations....
Company
Portfolio Data
Molecular Rebar Design
UEI: LL34B99KR2R4
Number of Employees: 16
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
SBIR/STTR Involvement
Year of first award: 2021
4
Phase I Awards
2
Phase II Awards
50%
Conversion Rate
$586,547
Phase I Dollars
$2,245,194
Phase II Dollars
$2,831,741
Total Awarded
Success Stories
See what our company has achieved through SBIR/STTR funding.
Awards
Reduction or Replacement of 6PPD through Improved Ozonation-related Crack Resistance with MOLECULAR REBAR
Amount: $99,989 Topic: 6A
The primary purpose of an antiozonant and antioxidant like 6PPD is to mitigate the cleavage of polymer chains in a tire. However, over time the 6PPD depletes resulting in polymer chain degradation, subsequently followed by the development of surface level microcracks. These microcracks coalesce with use and time forming larger cracks that often result in premature failure of the tire, well before its tread life is finished. MOLECULAR REBAR® (MR) carbon nanotubes have been proven to impart significant abrasion, tear, and crack propagation resistance properties to elastomers. These unique properties are due to the dispersion of individual nanotubes of MR, which when coupled with chemical functionality, results in a well-bound, high aspect ratio, high surface area filler. With the use of MR nanotubes, ozonation-related microcrack propagation will be lessened, preventing coalescence of microcracks, and thus reducing larger crack occurrence. With this additional reinforcement in a tire compound, the quantity of 6PPD used can be reduced, or 6PPD can be replaced with a less effective, but environmentally safer antiozonant- like 77PPD. Treating the effects of polymer ozonation, rather than the preventing the initial ozone degradation, is a unique approach that can be implemented commercially more quickly than the evaluation of a new small-molecule antiozonant- which may require exhaustive environmental testing, in addition to the rubber compound tests. Molecular Rebar Design, LLC will determine what type of carbon nanotube surface functionality is most effective at preventing crack propagation, and then formulate tire sidewall elastomer compounds with those nanotubes while varying the type and quantity of antiozonant present in the sidewall compounds. These rubber compounds will undergo ozone aging to simulate real-world conditions, whereafter the aged samples will be tested for differences in crack resistance, lifetime, tear strength, and intrinsic strength. These experiments will culminate in a sidewall compound formulation that is less environmentally damaging than incumbent compounds that utilize a full loading of 6PPD. The resultant experimental compound will be designed to have the same, or better, expected lifetime as an incumbent sidewall compound.
Tagged as:
SBIR
Phase I
2024
EPA
Molecular Rebar Design's Discrete Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube HIV Therapy Technology
Amount: $1,099,933 Topic: DHA211-010
DNA encoded monoclonal antibodies (dmAbs) have been shown to be an effective treatment against a range of infectious diseases including Ebola, Zika, and HIV. However, delivering plasmid DNA into cells and tissues safely and effectively is a challenge that has so far prevented widespread adoption of dmAbs as a therapeutic. In Phase I of this project, Molecular Rebar Design (MRD) introduced a solution to the problem of dmAb transport in the form of Medical Grade Molecular Rebar (MGMR), a discrete, multiwalled carbon nanotube based biomolecular delivery platform. We demonstrated that MGMR can be efficiently loaded and unloaded with dmAbs, can be used to transiently and stably transfect CHO-K1 cells, and can do so while maintaining high cellular viability. In Phase II we aim to continue the project by refining MGMR for both in vitro and in vivo systems. First, we will produce a plasmid vector encoded with HIV specific monoclonal antibodies from the incomplete plasmid construct tested in Phase I. We will demonstrate that this complete plasmid can be loaded, offloaded, and remains well dispersed when complexed with MGMR in physiological solution. Furthermore, we will build upon the successful transfection of CHO-K1 cells demonstrated in Phase I and optimize MGMR mediated transient and stable transfection resulting in the production of high levels of HIV specific monoclonal antibodies in vitro. The second half of the proposed project will expand MGMR’s utility as a DNA encoded monoclonal antibody delivery device to in vivo systems. MRD has partnered with Professor Lin Zhu at the Texas A&M College of Pharmacy to develop a series of dmAb loaded MGMR studies optimizing the delivery system for small animals, specifically BALB/c mice. Several dosing volumes, routes of administration, and MGMR formulations will be tested in order to produce the maximum number of HIV specific monoclonal antibodies in serum while maintaining mice health. The ideal treatment conditions learned in these experiments will be essential for the final portion of Phase II: a large animal study of dmAb loaded onto MGMR for HIV treatment. MRD has planned an experiment with the Texas Biomedical Research Institute using rhesus macaques as a large animal model, and we expect to administer loaded MGMR that produces high levels of HIV antibodies in serum while preserving animal health.
Tagged as:
SBIR
Phase II
2022
DOD
DHA
Longer-lasting, More Energy Efficient Electric Vehicle Tires using Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes
Amount: $1,145,261 Topic: C52-17c
Electric vehicles are growing in popularity, but current tire technology is inadequate for their performance needs. The tires used on electric vehicles today wear up to 30% more quickly than on gas or diesel-powered vehicles, which drives up costs, micro-rubber pollution, and tire waste. Improving the lifetime and energy efficiency of tires for electric vehicles will lower operating costs and further their adoption by both consumers and commercial fleets. In Phase I/II, the invention and utilization of functionalized carbon nanotube technology in new high performance rubber composite formulations for electric vehicle tires is increasing the wear resistance of the tire tread compound and lowering the rolling resistance of the tire, which improves the energy efficiency of a vehicle. The successful development of new rubber composites with dispersed and chemically functionalized carbon nanotubes in Phase I improved tire tread performance. The stated goal in Phase I was to produce a tire tread compound “…with reduced amount of total filler, density decrease of roughly 7% making a lighter weight tire possible. The rolling resistance will decrease by over 10%, the heat buildup will be reduced by about 7%, and the toughness will increase by approximately 25%.” Actual Phase I results surpassed this goal, with the tire tread material developed and tested having improved abrasion resistance of 25%+, decreased density by 6-7%, and reduced rolling resistance / heat build-up of 20%, as compared to a state-of-the-art tread compound. These improvements were achieved through the invention and use of individualized carbon nanotubes functionalized with hydroxyl and carboxyl groups chemically bound with an organosilane and the rubber itself. These results revolutionize rubber composites by reducing the use of typical materials and replacing them with a lesser quantity of the new, highly reinforcing functionalized carbon nanotubes. In Phase II, a commercially viable product form of the carbon nanotube material will be developed, utilizing a robust carrier agent. This development will focus on ease of integration for tire manufacturers and consistency in improved tire performance. The resultant product will be utilized in prototype tire treads to demonstrate the efficacy of the novel rubber composites at real scale. The laboratory results from Phase I will be correlated to tire and vehicle effects in Phase II. Commercial Applications and Other BenefitsImproved rubber composites with the new nanotube product could have future performance-oriented applications in aircraft tires, military tank track pads, and mining equipment. Longer lasting equipment reduces waste, improves efficiency through decreased downtime, and is more cost effective.
Tagged as:
SBIR
Phase II
2022
DOE
Changing the Design Rules of Rubber to Create Lighter Weight, More Fuel Efficient Tires
Amount: $197,359 Topic: 17c
As sustainability becomes a priority, the tire industry requires a tire that is both sustainable and high performing. Molecular Rebar Design can develop a longer-lasting, more fuel-efficient, and better-quality tire. Recently, large tire manufacturing corporations, such as Bridgestone and Michelin, have publicly announced their ambitions to be completely sustainable. With this transition to sustainability, stronger, more reliable, more fuel-efficient tires can now be warmly embraced by large tire manufacturers. A major unmet challenge to electric and fuel-based vehicle tire production is the development of lower-energy dissipating tires without loss of other properties. Molecular Rebar Design, LLC (MRD) has demonstrated that a viable modified version of discrete carbon nanotubes can be successfully formulated into rubber achieving dramatic changes in the rubber compound properties and interrelationships of properties useful for rubber parts and tires. Molecular Rebar Design has developed technology to turn the as-made carbon nanotube bundles, consisting of millions of individual entangled CNTs, into discrete, individual nanotubes – known as Molecular Rebar. The addition of Molecular Rebar to rubber compounds, along with the subtraction of the proper amount of existing fillers, changes the compound property relationships, producing new rubber parts and tire designs. The new compounds can have dramatic property changes related to improved cracking resistance, enhanced cut and chip in blowout preventers for oil wells, and strengthened cut and chip resistant tires. MRD’s proposal is the development of a radically new tire prototype, with an improved performance window, in which 6% weight MR will replace about 16% weight carbon black. Objective #1 - Confirm structure-property relationships of polymer composites with Molecular Rebar as a replacement for carbon black Objective #2 - Develop structure-property relationships of polymer composites with Molecular Rebar as a replacement for carbon black in silica-silane (‘Green’) tire tread compounds. Objective #3 – Develop structure-property relationships of polymer composites with Molecular Rebar as a replacement for the dominant silica phase, in addition to the carbon black, in silica- silane (‘Green’) tire tread compounds. Final Deliverable: A report generated on the overarching trends and effects of MR nanotubes in a polymer composite for EV tires in preparation for the Phase II project. Molecular Rebar Design is capable of helping both tire companies focused on sustainability meet their green goals, while also helping car manufacturers and car dealerships offer vehicle improvements without any costly repair to the vehicle itself. Molecular Rebar Design’s commercial goals are as follow: Partner with a tire manufacturer to help produce higher-quality, sustainable tires Sell the improved tires directly or indirectly to car dealerships and car manufacturers Procure a contract with military branches to provide higher quality tires for all forms of military vehicles.
Tagged as:
SBIR
Phase I
2021
DOE
Molecular Rebar Design âÃÂàThe Revolutionary Potential of Disentangled Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Amount: $48,614 Topic: AF203-CSO1
The Problem: Carbon nanotubes as individual tubes have properties of high strength and exceptional electrical and thermal properties. However, carbon nanotubes as-made in the reactor, are formed as bundles of millions of entangled nanotubes in 2-50-micron sized particles that are useful in minimal applications. The Solution: Molecular Rebar Design (MRD) was formed in 2010 to invent, patent, develop, produce, and commercialize technology that converts as-made carbon nanotubes into value-creating products. MRD has developed a breakthrough technology to produce functionalized and dispersed multi-walled carbon nanotubes (Molecular Rebar®). Using unrefined bundles of carbon nanotubes, MRD discovered how to produce individual tubes that allow for very significant changes in materials and applications, changing performance limits, and relationships. The MRD-patented new composition of matter has been applied with different matrixes such as rubber, epoxy, lead and lithium batteries, and water-based additives, for applications such as tires, coating, energy storage, vaccination delivery, and more. The changes in the range of performance are usually quite large, from 30-300%. The Objective: The objective of this Phase I is to align MRD’s advanced technological capabilities with a relevant stakeholder and determine how to proceed on a Phase II project.
Tagged as:
SBIR
Phase I
2021
DOD
USAF
Molecular Rebar Design's Discrete Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube HIV Therapy Technology
Amount: $240,585 Topic: DHA211-010
Currently, there is no vaccine or cure for HIV available. However, one novel approach for the treatment and prevention of HIV that has shown promise in recent years is the use of HIV-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs)Currently, there is no vaccine or cure for HIV available. However, one novel approach for the treatment and prevention of HIV that has shown promise in recent years is the use of HIV-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). While the delivery of mAbs presents certain obstacles, one way to minimize the deficiencies in using mAbs as a therapeutic is to produce them in vivo via DNA encoding. However, the use of DNA encoding introduces a new set of problems for use in therapeutics. Molecular Rebar Design, LLC (MRD) intends to solve this problem with a carbon nanotube-based biomedically compatible nanoparticle. Carbon nanotubes are capable of safely delivering a range of biomolecules across the cell membrane and to the nucleus by both passive diffusion and endocytosis. Medical Grade Molecular Rebar (MGMR) is a specialized form of sterilized, oxidized, and purified discrete carbon nanotubes with unique attributes for intracellular trafficking that may address most, if not all, of the issues associated with the internalization of biomolecular cargo. MGMR can enter cells through both endocytosis and passive diffusion and is inert, non-biologic, non-toxic, cargo agnostic, non-mutagenic, and scalable. MGMR can be modified to accept different payloads (including proteins, mRNA, and others) for transport into the cell by adjusting the surface functionalization or physisorbing different surfactants to the tube surface.
Tagged as:
SBIR
Phase I
2021
DOD
DHA