BNNano

BNNano operates as an advanced materials manufacturing company, specializing in the production of Boron Nitride Nanotubes (BNNTs). The company was founded in March 2016 by Steve Wilcenski and Jason Taylor, two material scientists who met in 2000 while working at Cree Inc. Their shared background in commercializing new technologies on a micro and nano-scale fueled their ambition to address a gap in the market for commercially available BNNTs. Wilcenski, the CEO, has over 20 years of experience developing technologies for diverse sectors including defense, aerospace, and biomedical, and holds an MBA from North Carolina State University. Taylor, the CTO, began his career as a process development engineer, optimizing multilayer GaN epitaxy for LED products and holds multiple patents.

The company's core offering is its proprietary and patent-pending Boron Nitride NanoBarb™, a unique morphology of BNNT. This product features an irregular, rebar-like surface designed to mechanically interlock with matrix materials like polymers, metals, and ceramics, enhancing their natural properties. Unlike standard nanotubes which can stick together, the NanoBarb's™ structure allows for higher loading without agglomeration. Key attributes of BNNTs include being 100 times stronger than steel, high thermal conductivity while being electrically insulating, and thermal stability at temperatures above 850°C. This combination of properties allows them to be used in applications where carbon nanotubes cannot, such as cooling electronics without causing electrical interference.

BNNano's business model centers on developing and manufacturing these nanomaterials for a broad range of industries. The company asserts that it is the only one globally with a commercially viable, low-cost manufacturing process for BNNTs, which it protects as a trade secret. This process allows them to produce high-purity materials at industrial volumes. They supply their products in various forms, including powder, pellets, filaments, and resins, to clients ranging from R&D labs requiring gram quantities to industrial producers needing kilograms. Key markets include aerospace, defense, automotive, additive manufacturing, textiles, and thermal management. Notable customers and partners include NASA, the U.S. Navy, Eck Industries, and True Velocity. The company generates revenue through the sale of its NanoBarb™ products, including raw powder and master alloys.

Keywords: Boron Nitride Nanotubes, NanoBarb, advanced materials, nanomaterial manufacturing, composite materials, thermal management, lightweighting, material science, aerospace materials, defense technology, additive manufacturing materials, polymer enhancement, metal matrix composites, ceramic composites, electrical insulation, high-strength materials, Jason Taylor, Steve Wilcenski