Nanostuff that dreams are made of

Apparently, Internet-brokered marriages work. In early 2000, Aharon Feuerstein, who wanted to found a high-tech investment venture, met Dr. Menachem Genut through a “Globes” chat forum. After a brief courtship that soon became a threesome with the entry of an Israeli investor (who prefers to remain anonymous), they founded Accelerate, a company that would invest in ventures close to Feuerstein’s pocket and Genut’s expertise. Feuerstein worked in finance at the Ministry of Finance, Union Bank of Israel and as a private consultant; Genut was interested in special materials, opto-electronics, semiconductors and manufacturing equipment.

Typical for an investment company of its kind, Accelerate believes in “must have” concepts for patents capable breakthrough technology, rather than “nice to have”. Accordingly, its only investment until this year was in a US start-up.

Inspiration from da Vinci

Prior to Accelerate, Genut did post-doctorate work with Prof. Reshef Tenne at the Weizmann Institute of Science. He cofounded Oramir Semiconductor Equipment, which was sold to Applied Materials (Nasdaq:AMAT) last year, was a consultant for companies and venture capital funds, and a VP at start-up Wireless Methods for a year.

While still at Weizmann Institute, Genut participated in the discovery that fullerenes could be created by molecules other than carbon. In 1985, scientists discovered a new hexagonal spherical form of carbon molecule (in addition to graphite and diamonds), called fullerenes, or “buckyballs” for American architect R. Buckminster Fuller, developer of the geodesic dome that the new carbon molecules resembled. Fuller himself had copied designs of Leonardo da Vinci.

Fullerenes are considered the strongest molecules to build resilient nanostructures. Genut claims that carbon fullerenes are extremely difficult to manufacture, and friendlier alternatives are needed for industrial applications.

Prof. Reshef Tenne spent a decade improving the synthesis of such materials at the Weizmann Institute and collaborated with Prof. Lev Rapaport from the Holon Academic Institute of Technology – HAIT for tribological evaluation (the science of the mechanisms of friction, lubrication, and wear of interacting surfaces that are in relative motion) . About a year ago, Tenne contacted Genut and asked him to commercialize the research. The result was Applied Nanomaterials. The new start-up was launched with a $1 million investment from Newton Technology Partners, which has an option to invest an additional $2 million within a year.

Applied Nanomaterials is initially developing an onion-type nanostructure, i.e. a multilayered hollow structure of nested spheres. According to the theory of the company’s founders, such a structure can replace lubricants, rather like a box moving along multitudes of miniaturized ball bearings. They claim that respected institutes worldwide have proved that powder made from these nanostructures is six to ten times more effective than regular lubricants. Applied Nanomaterials proudly claims to have the “first nanomaterials-based solid lubricant in the world”, also known as “nanolubricant”.

The nanospheres are built from tungsten disulfide (WS₂). The layers slide past each other, reducing friction, while the hollow cores provide flexibility. Applied Nanomaterials claims the materials can withstand immense pressures. The material acts as a kind of solid ball bearing between the metal layers, rather like the wheels of a tank tread. In addition, the nanostructures insert themselves within each metal layer, while other nanostructures slide over them, creating a smooth layer at the molecular level.

In effect, the nanolubricant does not wear down, is permanent and requires no maintenance. The powder will eventually stand on its own as a lubricant, however Applied Nanomaterials realizes that recognition of the technology requires collaboration with lubricant manufacturers as an additive to existing lubricants. They hope this collaboration will assist in their battle against friction. Applied Nanomaterials is already in contact with several companies in the field.

The Rehovot reactor

Applied Nanomaterials’s product can be used for various friction reducing applications, such as on the outer coating of ships and planes to reduce water and air friction, respectively, and on satellites, to eliminate the need for astronaut maintenance of stuck mechanical arms, or the need for radio fixes for satellites such as the Galileo Jupiter mission, launched in 1989. The car and military industries are other target applications.

Applied Nanomaterials’ competitors are developing similar materials, but based on nested carbon nanotube structures that over time tend to disintegrate under friction from the materials they lubricate. Feuerstein says the company’s competitors also have trouble handling high loads. He claims that in comparative tests of the various technologies, Applied Nanomaterials’ spherical structures last longer than its competitors. He admits, however, that the company doesn’t really understand how its marvelous material works, but says that “what is most important is that it works.”

Applied Nanomaterials currently manufactures its nanolubricant powder at Weizmann Institute’s chemical reactor, but is now building a semi-industrial reactor that will make 750 grams of powder a day. The company plans to build numerous reactors at its Rehovot plant, instead of a single giant reactor, to meet growing demand.

Over time, Applied Nanomaterials plans to develop and manufacture a second nested nanotube structure product, based on the same compound, designed for nanotechnological uses, such as the tips of the Atomic Force Microscope, for nanoscale lithography, nanolasers, etc.

Feuerstein relates that Applied Nanomaterials is now raising $5 million to finance the building of reactors and accelerated marketing. The company’s business model is based on strategic partnerships and the licensing of its technology, both generically and as for joint development of suitable applications. “We will want full control of production,” says Feuerstein. “The material is patented, even if someone else finds another way to make it.”

Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on September 9, 2002