3/31/04 micro-tubular technology(NAVY?)
3/31/04 ALMI 15.00 Speaking at 17th Industrial Minerals International Congress
WEDNESDAY 31 MARCH
15.00
New horizons for halloysite in micro-tubular technology
Ron Price, Technical Consultant Atlas Mining Inc, USA
metalbulletin .com/events/mbcf_im17.asp
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In a patented process developed by the Naval Research Laboratory, Washington D.C., scientists have created a new method of controlled release using microtubules made from halloysite clay. These microtubules, cylindrical in shape and with a hollow core, can be used in a wide variety of products. In the case of the US Navy, researchers utilized microtubules to add anti-barnacle agents to paints used on the hulls of Navy ships. The microtubules are filled with the anti-fouling agent, which is slowly released over time.
Several U.S. companies are currently looking at microtubules for applications ranging from agricultural chemicals to paints to household products. Although these microtubules can be produced synthetically, researchers have determined that, due to its unique microstructure, halloysite clay may be the preferred source. Halloysite clay is naturally derived, nontoxic and biodegradable.
According to Dr. John Dennis of TechLink, the potential for the use of halloysite as a time-release element could open up many new markets for the process. "Microtubules are cheap compared to many synthetic time-release vehicles -- this opens up a number of markets that could not previously afford the technology."
William Jacobson, President and CEO of Atlas Mining, stated, "We are very interested in the development of new applications for halloysite and are closely monitoring the progress of the Navy in developing new applications with US companies. With the help of MSU's TechLink center, we hope to see these applications successfully commercialized in the coming years." He went on to say, "As new uses are found, we plan to aggressively market our product to take advantage of a growing demand."
http://www.mbendi.co .za/a_sndmsg/news_view.asp?I=47351