NuForm Materials Wins Small Business Grant from the National Science Foundation

The National Science Foundation recently awarded NuForm Materials a Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase II grant. The funds will be used to develop the application of ash derived ceramics in aluminum powder metallurgy applications.

Using a patented process, NuForm Materials recycles ash derived ceramics from discarded coal combustion ash. These high quality ceramic particles are lighter and more cost effective than competing materials in the composite materials market. Ash derived ceramics increase the hardness and stiffness of aluminum parts without adversely affecting the weight of the part.

The award, which was funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, provides NuForm Materials with nearly $500,000 in funding to conduct research and development activities over a two year period.

NuForm Materials Secures Funding through Kentucky's Innovative SBIR-STTR Matching Program

The state of Kentucky is leading the charge in effort to support high tech start-up businesses. Through the Department of Commercialization and Innovation and the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation (KSTC), Kentucky offers small businesses the opportunity to match their federal SBIR-STTR awards. This program is not only unique to Kentucky, but it is vital for sustained success of local and regional start-ups.

NuForm Materials was recently awarded over $300,000 in funding from KSTC as a match to their recently awarded SBIR Phase II grant from the National Science Foundation. These funds will be used, among other things, to expand the company'sproduction capacity and develop the company's business model. Governor Steve Beshear announced this award, along with eight others, at a January 26 press conference.

NuForm Materials Featured on Blog for Small Businesses

The Center for Entrepreneurial Growth in Oak Ridge, TN produces a blog (www.outofthegarage.com) that focuses on the "in's and out's" of starting and running a small business in today's world. Visit the blog and check out the interview with NuForm VP, Brock Marrs.

University of Kentucky Partners with NuForm Materials to Compete Well at Oak Ridge National Lab

Recently, a team of University of Kentucky graduate and undergraduate students participated in the Global Venture Challenge, the Department of Energy's premiere commercialization competition, at Oak Ridge National Lab. The team was co-sponsored by NuForm Materials.

The student team was selected from over 40 international teams to present their commercialization project at Oak Ridge National Lab in March of this year. The team developed and presented a plan for taking NuForm's composite foam insulating materials to market. The team was one of six teams in the energy track to make the finals and present on the last day. The team came away with an honorable mention and a $1000 cash prize.

More information on the competition can be found at www.globalventurechallenge.com.

NuForm Materials wins SBIR Phase I for Innovative Insulating Material

The National Science Foundation recently announced a $150,000 Small Business Innovative Research Phase I grant for NuForm Materials. The funds will be used to further development a new composite insulating material manufactured from polyurethane foam and ash derived ceramics.

Leaky insulation in our nation's commercial and residential buildings lead to energy inefficiencies, a major drain on the electrical grid. Polyurethane foam is superior to fiberglass and cellulose insulation, but it is limited by its flammability. Ash derived ceramics are added to the polyurethane foam as a safe, environment friendly flame retardant that also improves the structural capacity of the foam.