Zyvex Technologies, which has spreadhead the use of graphene in the sporting goods industry, has been acquired by OCSiAl, a leading technology manufacturer for the mass industrial production of graphene tubes, in a deal the two companies said will greatly accelerate the adoption of the the 'wonder material' for consumer products.
The two companies announced the deal at the TechConnect World Innovation Conference and Expo June 16.
The deal will combine OCSiAl's large-scale manufacturing capabilities with Zyvex's commercialization expertise to unleash what they called the, “limitless potential for enhanced consumer products across the globe.”
OCSiAl is known for developing the world's largest low cost and scalable production of graphene tubes under the brand name Tuball, while Zyvex Technologies is a leader in the field of carbon nanomaterial applications. Zyvex developed the world's first carbon nanotube products in partnership with Easton Sports in 2005 and its nanotechnology-based products are already integrated into a diverse number of sporting goods, including rims for downhill mountain bikes, lacrosse shafts and Easton baseball bats.
This acquisition will enable the mass availability of Tuball graphene tubes and provide endless advantages to customers across industries, said the companies.
“From improved quality and durability of consumer goods to premier, high level projects, the combination of OCSiAl's manufacturing capabilities and the scale and expertise of each company's respective market, we are creating a vertically integrated organization that serves customers better with readily available nanotech products,” said Yuri Koropachinsky, president of OCSiAl. “Zyvex Technologies has built a tremendous team that we are excited to welcome into the OCSiAl family…together, we will usher in a new age of technology for businesses and consumers alike.”
Graphene, a single atom thick sheet of carbon, proclaimed as the 'wonder material of the 21st century' by the American Chemical Society, makes batteries more powerful and long-lasting, construction materials lighter, polymers stronger and improves the electrical and thermal conductivity of composites. In contrast with other technologies, many of its applications do not require changes in currently used equipment or processes. The integration of OCSiAl's graphene tubes with Zyvex Technologies' proven operations will allow for the creation of products with properties that significantly surpass what is currently available on the market.
“This is a landmark deal which will open the doors for further development and penetration of nanotechnology through a combination of technology and commercial excellence,” said Dr. Sanjay Mazumdar, CEO of the market research organization, Lucintel. “Businesses must consider the advantages that can be gained through the early adoption of new materials technology, otherwise they'll watch on the sidelines as their competitors grow.”
Zyvex Technologies will continue to operate with its own distinct brand identity and product line while contributing to the growth of OCSiAl. The combined team will have a presence on six continents and will have 160 dedicated business and R&D staff who have the potential to dramatically change not only the market for carbon nanomaterials but a number of industries, creating new opportunities for carbon enhanced products. Founder and current chairman, Jim Von Ehr, will also join the OCSiAl Board of Directors.
“We are thrilled to join OCSiAl,” said Lance Criscuolo, president of Zyvex Technologies. “Zyvex was the first recognized nanomaterials company in the United States. Now with support from OCSiAl, Zyvex will be in an even better position to bring the potential of nanotechnology into powerful commercial reality.”
Zyvex was founded in 1997 as the first company solely focused on nanotechnology. Zyvex successfully introduced products to a variety of industries, from semi-conductors to sporting goods, and received significant acclaim for its advances in commercializing molecular nanotechnology. Recognized as a leader within the nanotechnology industry, Zyvex Technologies' founder Jim Von Ehr co-founded the Texas Nanotechnology Initiative and the Feynman Grand Prize in Nanotechnology.
