We provide advanced materials development services based on our experience with several technologies. Contact Us for more detailed information on any of our technologies, or send us a Materials Development Inquiry through our website.
Protective coatings
Self-healing polymers
NEI has developed a generic self-healing technology that allows polymer coatings to "self heal if scratched or cracked. To date, we have demonstrated self-healing in polyurethane-based coatings. We are implementing our technology in various polymer materials for specific commercial applications. Click here to see a demonstration.
Corrosion protection
NEI has developed chromate-free anti-corrosion coating systems for aluminum, steel and magnesium. These environmentally friendly coatings include pretreatment, primer and topcoat, and are based on nanoscale materials. The coatings provide advantages in specific applications. For example, due to the enhanced adhesion of the NEI pretreatment, it can reduce the need for grit blasting.
Hard, scratch resistant barrier coatings
NEI has developed transparent coatings for polymer substrates that offer exceptional hardness and scratch resistance. Our environmentally benign coating solutions are waterborne. The composition of the coating can be tailored to suit specific application requirements.
Polymer Coatings for Fabrics
NEI's additives for fluoropolymer fabric coatings and silicone fabric coatings resist unwanted permeation of gas through fabric, protect base fabric from environmental degradation, and provide chemical and environmental stability.
Self-healing fiber-composites
NEI's self-healing fiber-composite technology is designed to prevent growth of delamination cracks and micro-cracks in fiber-epoxy based composites. Our technology can "self-repair defects with high healing efficiency and can be implemented in conventional fiber reinforced epoxy composites.
Sorbents for absorbing mercury from flue gas
NEI is developing an environmentally friendly sorbent that removes mercury from coal-fired power plant flue gas. Our sorbents exhibit high mercury adsorption efficiency and have limited impact on fly ash compared to conventional sorbents.
Wastewater treatment media
NEI has produced sorbents that are highly efficient in adsorbing mercury and selenium from wastewater. These sorbents can treat contaminated soil and groundwater and are being engineered for other water treatment processes.
Sludge treatment additives
NEI has developed nanoscale additives that dewater sludge more efficiently than conventionally used cationic polymers. The technology is being applied to both municipal and industrial sludge. Additionally, certain nanoscale materials have demonstrated better odor control.
Fluoroelastomer seals and high performance o-rings
NEI has developed nanomaterial-based fluoroelastomers that improve the performance of seals and o-rings used in electrical submersible pumps for geothermal applications and other downhole equipment used in oil and gas drilling.
Superhydrophobic surface treatment
NEI's superhydrophobic surface treatment imparts superhydrophobicity to surfaces, particularly at above ambient temperatures. In one particular application, the superhydrophobic surface treatment increases condenser efficiency by facilitating drop-wise condensation as opposed to film-wise condensation.
Custom material synthesis
NEI has core competencies in synthesizing nanoscale particles, depositing nanoscale coatings on particles, modifying the surface of particles, and dispersing nanoparticles in aqueous and non-aqueous liquids. Contact us with your specific materials needs.