MICROFLUIDICS DEVELOPS PROCESS TO ENABLE SPATIAL ARRANGEMENT OF CARBON NANOTUBES

Wednesday, January 19, 2005 Newton, MA (Nasdaq OTCBB Symbol : MFIC)

Carbon nanotubes, macromolecules in the form of long thin cylinders, are noted for their dimensions, shape and physical properties. They display uncommon characteristics of strength, conductivity and quantum behavior when prepared in diameters in the 10-50 nanometer range. Many companies produce bulk carbon nanotubes, and many groups are developing commercial products which incorporate them. A common need, for purposes of a particular desired functionality, is to organize the nanotubes as they are deposited in a linear or other designed pattern, by physical or chemical means.

It is usually necessary to process the bulk nanotube preparations, prior to such treatment, in order to deagglomerate and stabilize the discrete nanotubes so that they can then be formatted in an optimal manner. In collaboration with potential buyers of Microfluidizer® processor systems, our Microfluidics Division has identified and demonstrated operational protocols for our systems to process bulk nanotubes and thus prepare them for specific applications. These customers have confirmed their satisfaction with the results. One customer, Carbon Nanotechnologies Inc., a Houston, Texas based leading manufacturer of single-wall and other small diameter carbon nanotubes, "is evaluating the use of Microfluidizer processor technology for dispersion of small diameter carbon nanotubes in various matrices."

Microfluidics believes that applications which may utilize our systems include:

• High tensile strength polymers reinforced with nanotubes
• Nanomaterials to treat fabrics, imparting unique conductivity & strength
  
• High performance lubricants incorporating aligned nanotubes
  
• Nanotubes and nanoshells for medical therapeutic applications
  
• Computer memory using crossed nanotube geometries
  
• Nanotransistors and other high density electronic devices
  
• Field emission display components, in large screen applications
  
• Microelectrical current carriers in ultra-density nanodevices for future generation computer chips
  
• Nanoimprinting materials to replace nanolithography in chip fabrication
  
• Preparation and isolation of quantum dots for medical diagnostics biolabels
  
• Photovoltaic cell components

Microfluidics invites inquiries concerning Microfluidizer processors for conditioning nanomaterials prior to application. We offer, at no charge, access to our Applications Laboratories to test specific protocols on our equipment. Please contact Dr. Mimi Panagiotou, V.P. - R&D (ext. 258) for more information or to explore a demonstration of either equipment line. Visit our website for expanded descriptions of equipment and for access to publications.