A dynamic partnership between the University of Akron’s Institute of Polymer Science, an Ohio-based manufacturer and its German parent company led to the creation of Uniontown, Ohio-based SNS Nano Fiber Technology, LLC, a producer of specialized nanofiber materials.
Established in 2007, SNS is part of Northeast Ohio’s “Polymer Valley,” which features close to 3,000 polymer-related companies located between Akron & Cleveland, thanks in no small part to the University of Akron, boasting one of the world’s leading polymer science departments. Northeast Ohio is also emerging as a leader in nanotechnology and bioenterprise, as evidenced by the numerous organizations that Nortech, The Northeast Ohio Technology Coalition, has been instrumental in nurturing.
SNS produces Nanosan®, a nanostructured nonwoven created using unique proprietary technology. Director Dr. Laura Frazier has been involved with the technology since its inception. “I was actually working on the project while in graduate school at the University of Akron. My advisor, Dr. Daniel Smith, and his colleague, Dr. Darrell Reneker, professors in the departments of Chemistry and Polymer Science respectively, were the inventors of the technology. I worked on the superabsorbent nanofiber matrices as part of my dissertation,” Frazier said. This was the genesis of the University of Akron partnership.
Generating Global Interest
The SNS partnership was developed with Struktol, a Stow, Ohio-based producer of additives for the rubber, wood composite and polymer industries that is owned by German-based Schill and Seilacher. On a trip to visit Struktol, Schill and Seilacher representatives stopped by the University of Akron’s Institute of Polymer Science to see what new technologies were being developed. They were shown early samples of Nanosan® and supported a joint venture, through Struktol, to commercialize the process.
Creating a New Niche
SNS has developed a technology that creates self-supporting mats that incorporate particles or active ingredients into Nanosan’s® matrix. “This is a capability that didn’t previously exist,” Frazier said. “Other manufacturers just deposit their material onto substrates. We have a unique way of making our material thicker so that it is self-supporting, as well as being able to incorporate additives.”
For example, superabsorbent polymers are incorporated directly in the spinning process, resulting in the particles being distributed throughout the nanofiber matrix. “The particles absorb to their full capacity, thanks to the flexibility of the polymer nanofibers,” Frazier noted. “Even when fully saturated, Nanosan® retains its strength.”
The SNS manufacturing process has the ability to add other characteristics – such as color, pigment, fragrance or antimicrobial properties – to Nanosan®. Nanosan® can have high tensile strength, soft and smooth feel, breathability, flame resistance and biodegradability, along with a wide variety of other characteristics based on the polymer and additives used.
One Fiber – Endless Possibilities
Currently, Nanosan® is being produced mainly for hygiene and medical applications. The company is actively looking at other industries and applications, such as cosmetics, filtration, protective garments and personal care.
“It is easy to identify prospective partners in one or two categories,” Frazier said. “But when we go to a trade show, we meet people from completely different backgrounds, each with unique knowledge. We describe our process and product and then let their imaginations take over.”
“We attended Techtextil North America last year and came back with a very favorable impression about who was exhibiting, who was attending and what products were being exhibited,” Frazier said. “This year, we’re looking forward to being exhibitors.”
Visitors to the SNS Nano Fiber Technology booth (627) will be able to experience this unique product first-hand, as well as request product samples. “This is a tactile industry,” Frazier said. “People want to see, feel and touch the material – not just read about it.”
With a solid foundation and a bright future ahead, we’re sure to be seeing more of SNS Nano Fiber Technology.
For more information about SNS Nano Fiber Technology, contact Dr. Laura Frazier, Director, at lfrazier@snsnano.com or 330-899-1298. Dr. Frazier will also be presenting “Self-supporting Nanofiber Mats by Electrospinning,” during Techtextil North America Symposium 2009’s Nanotechnology in Textiles session, being held on Wednesday, April 22 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.