PPK reveals a cost breakthrough in its space age technology
Commercialisation company PPK has made a major breakthrough with its key technology, boron nitride nanotubes, cutting its price by more than half, paving the way for broader use of the space age product.
BNNT has a potentially broad use including in batteries for drones (file photo)
The BNNT is used in a wide range of products including lithium sulphur batteries, which are being developed by its spin-off company Li-S Energy.
The batteries are much lighter than the mainstream lithium-ion batteries and have a potential market in aviation and drones where weight was crucial.
Li-S Energy announced last week that it would team up with V-TOL and solar panel company Halocell to develop a drone capable of flying for weeks at a time at altitudes of 21km. Its potential is based largely on the lighter and powerful lithium sulphur batteries.
BNNT also has multiple applications, including in polymers, precious metals, fibres and glass to improve their mechanical properties.
PPK said the BNNT production price has been cut to $US150 a gram compared with the $US400 offered by competitors.
PPK said there were many use cases where the end product would be improved with the addition of the company’s nanomaterials but cost had been prohibitive.
The company believes the production improvements provided an opportunity to overcome concerns about the cost of the materials.
PPK chief executive Marc Fenton said the lower cost would improve access and ensure more companies can validate the performance of BNNT in their products.
“Many potential applications of BNNT are still in their development stage but have been made more achievable as a consequence of our investment to drive the cost of production down,” he said.
PPK shares jumped 9 per cent this morning after the announcement.
