Home > Press > Unique Plasma Process for Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Abstract:
A Green Technology in Response to the Kyoto Protocol
Raymor Industries Inc. (TSX-V: RAR) is proud to announce the
signing of an agreement with the Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), whereby
Raymor has acquired the exclusive worldwide rights for the commercialization of a new technology for
the production of single-walled carbon nanotubes (C-SWNT), based on a plasma process, unique in the
world. This process is 25 times more efficient, less dangerous, and less costly than any other existing
technologies in the world. Environmentally, this process is non-polluting (green technology) and helps
Canada meets its commitments with respect to the Kyoto Protocol. BCC Research estimates that
global sales of carbon nanotubes will reach US$231.5 million in 2006, with an average annual growth
rate of 173% over the next 5 years.
Raymor plans to increase its current C-SWNT production capacity by using larger power plasma
torches already installed at its plant. The minimum revenue forecasted for the next 12 months is
CDN$1.0 million, with CDN$5.0 million in 24 months, and CDN$10 million in 36 months. As well,
revenues may dramatically increase with increased available capacity from the production units actually
in place. The capacity installed in the plant will allow for a production rate in the order of
10,000 grams/day in the next 12 months. Also, Raymor will use a large portion of its production to
develop future applications with targeted strategic partners.
Presently, the market price of C-SWNT fluctuates around US$500/gram. This elevated price is
primarily due to the very high production costs of the processes used by the competition for the
production of similar quality C-SWNT. Given the very high efficiency of the Raymor process, the
company anticipates offering its C-SWNT at more reasonable prices, while grabbing a large portion of
the global market. The lower price and higher availability will facilitate the rapid integration of C-SWNT
in a large number of future applications.
Raymor’s unique process uses a plasma torch to produce large quantities of high quality C-SWNT
based on methane gas as the raw material. These nanotubes (C-SWNT) are 100 times stronger than
steel at 1/6th the weight, are able to withstand high temperatures, and are extremely conductive. CSWNT
can be used for countless technology innovations, such as chemical sensors, structural
reinforcement, electrical sensors, fuel cells, portable X-ray machines, extremely lightweight and strong
fabrics, artificial muscles and lightweight components of cars and spacecraft, as well as a multitude of
other applications.
This revolutionary process is highly sustainable because it uses methane, a greenhouse gas
abundantly available worldwide, and it produces C-SWNT and hydrogen. Hydrogen is a secure
emission-free fuel for heat and electricity production or even next-generation vehicles. It is important to
note that the destruction of methane enables Raymor to support Canada’s efforts in meeting its
commitment to the Kyoto Protocol.
In comparison with the Raymor process, the three other known processes used by competitors for
single-walled nanotube production (C-SWNT) have a low production efficiency, a high operating cost,
and/or use a dangerous combination of high pressure, high temperature and toxic carbon monoxide
(CO).
“There is no question that single-walled carbon nanotubes will have enormous impact on our lives.
This new process makes it easier and safer to produce the high quality nanotubes needed for
breakthrough technologies,” said Stéphane Robert, President of Raymor Industries Inc. “Manufacturers
around the world are looking for sustainable and efficient ways to incorporate nanotechnology into their
products. We’ve brought them one step closer with this Raymor process,” adds Mr. Robert.
Scientific breakthrough has been developed at the INRS-EMT (Montreal)
The development of Raymor’s process started in 1999. A proof of concept of the process was
conducted in 2000. From that point, it took five years to optimize the process, and ready it for largescale
production.
“We’ve waited a long time to see our innovation enter real-world production and, thanks to Raymor, we
are happy that manufacturers around the world will benefit from the extraordinary properties of singlewalled
carbon nanotubes, produced using an efficient and environmentally-friendly process,” said Dr.
Barry Stansfield from INRS.
Issuers of news releases, not 7th Wave, Inc. or Nanotechnology Now, are solely responsible for the accuracy of the content.
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Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique
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