ITP Awards $14.1 in Funding to Six New Materials Projects
October 29, 2006
ITP will provide $14.1 million in research and development grants for six new Materials projects aimed at improving the energy efficiency of U.S. manufacturers. The projects address industrial energy efficiency through development of process sensors, ultra-hard materials, membranes, refractories (heat resistant materials for high-temperature furnaces and reactors), and advanced nanoporous, thermal insulation. Significant benefits from the projects are anticipated; energy savings of 93 trillion Btu by 2020 and 309 trillion Btu by 2030 are expected. A trillion Btu is enough energy to heat 20,000 single family U.S. homes per year.
The collaborative efforts with industrial partners, national laboratories and universities brings the total amount of funding for the six projects to $20.1 million, including industrial cost share.
The selected projects include:
Hierarchical Nanoceramics for Industrial Process Sensors – GE Global Research, in collaboration with U.S. Steel, Brookhaven National Laboratory, and the University of Florida, will develop nanostructured ceramic materials with enhanced sensitivity for gas-sensing applications in industrial processing environments.
Nanocoatings for High-Efficiency Industrial Hydraulic and Tooling Systems – Eaton Corporation will lead a team of partners consisting of Greenleaf Corporation, Ames Laboratory, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, to develop ultra-hard nanoscale coatings with enhanced wear resistance and reduced friction for use in industrial hydraulic and machining systems.
Aerogel-Based Insulation for Industrial Steam Distribution Systems – Aspen Aerogels Inc., working with Protherm Corporation and ExxonMobil, will develop an aerogel-based thermal insulation system for application to industrial steam distribution systems, including pipes, valves, traps, and other line components.
Novel Refractory Materials for High-Temperature, High-Alkali Environments – Oak Ridge National Laboratory will lead a team consisting of University of Missouri–Rolla, Aleris International, Eastman Chemical, MINTEQ International, PPG Industries Inc., and Weyerhaeuser Inc. to develop refractory materials for use in industrial environments typical of the aluminum, chemical, forest products, and glass industries.
Advanced Membrane Separations Technology – Oak Ridge National Laboratory, along with the Gas Technology Institute, Media and Process Technology Inc., and the University of Tennessee, will develop novel materials systems for membrane separations technology to recover lost energy and water from industrial waste and process streams.
Advanced Wear Resistant Nanocomposites for Increased Energy Efficiency – Ames Laboratory, in collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Carpenter Powder Products, IMI Vision/CCI Valve, the University of Missouri–Rolla, and the University of Alberta will develop a family of wear-resistant, ceramic-based, uniform, composite materials with the potential to improve energy efficiency across a wide range of industrial applications.
Visit ITP's Industrial Materials for the Future Web site to learn more about the program activities and to view other projects in the portfolio.
For a complete listing of current funding opportunities, please visit the ITP Solicitations Web page.
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