NanoRDC, LLC was funded in the amount of $51,250 to develop andcommercialize a chemical method for functionalizing carbon nanotubes(CNT's). This initiative will enable CNTs to be more effectively dispersedin a wide range of polymers at lower cost. Polymers using these treatedCNTs will have enhanced antistatic and electrical conductivity, resultingin the expanded use of new rubber and plastic materials for the automotive,electronics, aerospace and defense industries. Applications includeelectrostatic painted plastic parts, static dissipation products, thermallyconductive components and EMI shielding products.

Illuminex Corporation was funded in the amount of $300,000 tocommercialize device technologies that utilize nanowire arrays. Thesearrays will be incorporated into a new generation of heat pipes, whichmakes the heat pipes more efficient in removing heat from microprocessorchips used in computer servers and laptops. If successful, the new nanowiretechnology has the ability to enable the computer industry to solve thechallenging problem of removing the higher heat loads generated by the newgeneration of faster computer microprocessors.

Plextronics Inc. was funded in the amount of $200,500 to further thedevelopment of Plexcore(TM) PV active layer technology for organic solarcells. Organic solar cells use extremely thin layers of plasticsemiconductors, instead of silicon, to absorb light and create electricity.This initiative will focus on the development of a new generation ofpolymer- based semi-conductive inks, Plexcore PV, that increase solarconversion efficiency, while extending the lifetime of the device. Successwill remove one of the remaining barriers to broad market commercializationand make organic solar cells an economically viable form of renewableenergy.

In addition to the Center's funding for the three projects totaling$551,750, the companies have added cash and in-kind matches totaling$460,600.

In September 2006, the Center requested pre-proposal white papers priorto the submission of formal proposals that resulted in 38 submissionsstatewide, involving a wide range of partnerships between universities andsmall and large companies. Each proposer received feedback from the Centeron the suitability of their white paper and adherence to the Center'sguidelines, along with advice on submitting a full proposal.

All proposals in the current round were judged by the Center'stechnical advisory committee that recommended the most promising ideas tothe Center's governing board for funding. The advisory committee is made upof 19 leading researchers in the field of nanotechnology from Pennsylvaniauniversities, small and large technology companies and federallaboratories.

The grants were made possible as a result of funding from theCommonwealth of Pennsylvania and the U.S. Air Force. A grant totaling $1million from the state's Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority tothe Center was announced by Governor Rendell in August, 2006. This statesupport is part of the Pennsylvania Initiative in Nanotechnology which isintended to capitalize on the exciting new field of nanotechnology tocreate new companies and high technology jobs throughout the commonwealth.In addition, the Center recently contracted for funding in the amount of$868,424 from the Air Force Research Labs through the Wright BrothersInstitute in Dayton, Ohio. Representative Mike Doyle helped the Centerobtain this Air Force funding in the 2006 fiscal year federal defenseappropriations budget.

A second round of projects will be funded in the early summer of 2007.The Center will be announcing the invitation for proposals on April 2, andfull proposals will be due by June 15.

The mission of the Pennsylvania NanoMaterials Commercialization Centeris to promote and support the commercialization of nanomaterials researchfor new and enhanced products critical to the U.S. economy andmanufacturing base. The Center builds upon Pennsylvania's excellence inadvanced materials research, development and manufacturing, and it acts asa new model for a public-private partnership among government,universities, entrepreneurs, small and large companies to accelerate thetransition from nanomaterials invention and innovation to new products andnew companies.

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