EKOR formulations allow great flexibility to contain different levels of
radioactivity
and different physical situations through in-situ stabilization, containment,
transportation, encapsulation, final storage and disposal. Selection of a
needs-specific formulation of EKOR gives users optimum cost-effectiveness.
EKOR is vastly superior to current methods used to stabilize and contain
radioactive waste because EKOR has an extremely high resistance to degradation
caused by exposure to radiation and environmental conditions — thus assuring a
significantly greater period of safety and environmental containment.
Furthermore,
EKOR allows solutions not previously possible, such as provisional caps or seals
and storage (for short or centuries-long periods) for facilities and units that
may be
subsequently reactivated or further decontaminated. EKOR stabilization of
facilities, equipment and surrounding areas prevents the release of radioactive
dusts caused by failed nuclear power generation, fuel production, or waste
disposal sites.
EKOR formulations are waterproof so the material makes a very effective liquid
barrier. EKOR can polymerize on or below water and in a wet environment. EKOR
will bind with any construction materials (concrete, steel, glass, etc.)
regardless if
surface is clean, heavily corroded, or even wet. EKOR by itself does not become
radioactive under the exposure to any amount of radiation. It is fully
environmentally
safe.
Potential Uses
Seat cushions: Having passed the FAA/Boeing safety criteria for use in aircraft
seat cushions, EKOR is now undergoing market validation for fire resistant
capabilities in the automobile and railroad car industry.
Insulation: Because of EKOR’s density and excellent fire resistant properties,
it
can be considered for use in the components of walls and partition structures of
submarines, ships and tankers, aircraft, automobiles and railroad cars.
Transportation and Containment: EKOR is ideal for the containment and
suppression of dusty hazardous materials and chemicals during transportation.
Currently in testing for use in "Black Boxes"
On December 16, 1998, at the request of EAPS, the EKOR compound was
officially approved by the Russian authorities for use in voice recorders
(known as "black boxes") which are contained in airplanes and record
relevant in-flight voice and other in-flight data relative to the to aircraft
and its performers.
Approval was granted based on test reports compiled by the Russian authorities.
EAPS is currently fabricating black boxes incorporating EKOR for delivery to
the Russian governmental authorities. We do not have any rights to EKOR in
Russia, but we receive 50% of the net profits from these sales.
Glues
for Electronics
Polymate, Ltd.—EUROTECH’s Israeli Research Center — developed an
advanced line of polydiene urethane-based, or Poly-D Adhesives, specially
designed to perform under such rugged conditions. Poly-D Adhesives, used in
conjunction with soldering, increase the reliability of electronic devices by
providing
components excellent environmental stability, improved performance and long-term
reliability.
- A novel technology for
recycling industrial materials containing cobalt and nickel that produces very
fine cobalt and nickel powders of high purity.
Haven't been able to find out much more on this, will post as I find it.
Israeli IncubatorTechnologies
Eurotech's Office in Israel
We have developed arrangements with three Israeli technology companies:
(i) the Technion Entrepreneurial Incubator Co., Ltd. ("Technion"),
(ii) Ofek Le-Oleh Foundation, and
(iii) the Incubator for Technological Entrepreneurship-Kiryat Weizmann, Ltd.,
to participate in certain technology research and development projects
sponsored by each company. Under such
informal arrangements, we provide all or a portion on the financing for, and
receive a 20% or greater equity interest in, research and development projects
selected by us and the corporations. To this end, we have opened a
representative office in the premises of Technion in Haifa, Israel. Pursuant to
these arrangements, we have made investments in the following companies:
-
Chemonol
, which has developed materials and processes for manufacturing hybrid
non-isocyanate polyurethane industrial coatings HNIPU
-
Rademate
, which has developed biodegradable hydrophobic materials;
-
Remptech
, which has developed processes for the production of extra-fine
cobalt and nickel powders;
-
Comsyntech
, which is developing a process for the continuous combustion
synthesis of ceramic, composite and intermetallic powders.
-
Sorbtech
, which has developed a new inorganic sorbent for petroleum product
removal; and
-
Amsil
, which is developing high-thermostable organomineral polymers.
Under those agreements, we received initially 20% of each company's common
equity, in exchange for an initial investment of U.S. $60,000. Subsequently we
made, and are committed to make, further investments in each of them. The
current status of our investment in each of these companies is discussed in
connection with our further description of the respective technologies.
HNIPU is a modified polyurethane that does not contain the toxic isocyanates
contained in the production of conventional polyurethane, and has lower
permeability and greater chemical resistance qualities as compared to
conventional polyurethane. We believe that these advanced characteristics make
HNIPU superior to conventional polyurethanes in connection with their use in a
number of industrial application contexts such as manufacturing automotive
bumpers, paints, plastics and truck beds; airplane and rocket sealant, interior
components and seating; construction adhesives, coatings, flooring, glues and
roof tops; industrial equipment and machinery; and consumer goods such as
appliances, footwear, furniture and plastic products. HNIPU was developed by
Prof. Oleg Figovsky, one of our consultants and additional application uses are
being developed by Chemonol Ltd., an Israeli company. We purchased initially a
20% participation in Chemonol's equity, then an additional 16% , and are
currently committed to purchase a further 16%, making a total ownership
interest of 52% for a total investment of $630,000, with a view to Chemonol's
establishing its own research and production base in Israel for potential joint
ventures for HNIPU. Pursuant to a voting agreement with us, Chemonol's
principal shareholder has agreed to vote his remaining 48% of Chemonol's equity
as directed by us.
In November 1998, we presented our HNIPU technology at the International
Exhibition for Ideas, Inventions and New Products ("IENA"), a
conference in Nuremberg, Germany. We were awarded the two highest awards for
our HNIPU at the exhibition.
We are marketing and selling HNIPU through one or more license or joint venture
agreements with major chemical companies in the United States, Europe and
Japan. Several major chemical companies have requested, and have been supplied
with, sample HNIPU for evaluation and applications testing. We are currently in
the final stages of discussions regarding HNIPU with several prospective
business and joint venture partners, though of course until an agreement is
actually signed we cannot assure you that any HNIPU deals will in fact be made.
A patent application for HNIPU was filed with the US Patent and Trademark
Office on May 28, 1998 and is pending.
LEM is a synthetic liquid rubber with enhanced mechanical, permeability and
anti-corrosive qualities as compared to conventional sheet rubber
coverings. In laboratory testing, coverings made with LEM, as compared to
conventional sheet rubber coverings, have displayed greater resistance to harsh
chemicals such as acids, alkalis and benzene, and have been successfully
applied to intricate and complex surfaces such as sieve meshing. Based on the
physical and chemical properties of LEM, and on such tests, we believe that LEM
coverings are capable of providing superior protection to small-diameter
piping, and to the intricate parts of pumps, fans and centrifuge rotors. LEM
can be applied to form surface coverings using standard coating techniques,
including spraying and dipping.
Discussions of the potential licensing of LEM are in progress with five
companies to the point where samples have been provided to three companies in
Germany and two in the U.S. for testing and evaluation.
LEM was independently developed by Prof. Figovsky and was acquired by us
pursuant to a Technology Purchase Agreement dated January 1, 1998 for a
purchase price of $15,000, plus royalties equal to 49% of our net revenues from
sales or licenses of any products incorporating LEM, payable for a period of 15
years commencing on January 1, 1998. To date, we have not derived any revenues
from LEM. Prof. Figovsky one of our consultants.
A patent application for LEM was filed with the US Patent and Trademark Office
on July 28, 1998 and is pending.
RubCon is a technologically advanced, polymer-based, rubberized concrete that
utilizes polybutadiene, a polymer derived from liquid rubber, as a binding
material for the various aggregates that, together with binders, constitute
concrete. In laboratory testing, RubCon has exhibited high degrees of
compression, bending and tensile strength, a high degree of water-resistance
and a high degree of resistance to aggressive, corrosive chemicals as compared
to conventional "cement" concrete. We believe that RubCon has
significant potential utility in the manufacture of industrial flooring,
equipment operating in aggressive chemical media such as galvanic and
electrolysis "baths," foundations, concrete pipes and other
underground structures, seismic reinforcement materials, and outdoor structures
such as bridges that are routinely exposed to harsh weather, climatic and
corrosive conditions.
Discussions about the manufacture and sale of RubCon are ongoing with seven
companies, five European and one in Luxembourg and one in the U.S. company are
studying samples while additional companies are being contacted. Preliminary
contacts in the U.S. chemical transportation industry indicate a possible
interest by the Association of American Railroads to test this material for
railroad ties. Other applications may be for pads in vibration-sensitive
machinery such as compressors and pumps.
RubCon was independently developed by Prof. Figovsky, and was acquired by us
pursuant to a Technology Purchase Agreement dated January 1, 1998 for a
purchase price of $35,000, plus royalties equal to 49% of our net revenues from
sales or licenses of any products incorporating Rubcon, payable for a period of
15 years commencing on January 1, 1998. To date, we have not derived any such
revenues from RubCon.
Anticorrosive Additives for Polymers -Upgrades chemical resistance
characteristics of base polymers
Anticorrosive Additives (AAdd) are an innovative approach to creating highly
chemical resistant polymer materials. Anticorrosive Additives are specially
designed to upgrade the chemical resistance characteristics of base polymers to
achieve optimal performance capabilities of materials operating in aggressive
environments. AAdd can be mixed into a wide range of polymer materials offering
a significant increase in product life and reducing product permeability.
These custom-made specialty formulations are designed to meet specific client
requirements. When cured with polymer-based materials, AAdd can dramatically
improve the capabilities of poly-based materials by upgrading their chemical
resistance properties. The additives are inorganic powders that react with
aggressive environments into which they are introduced, forming a new phase of
high-strength hydrate complexes. This enhanced bonding occurs upon the
penetration of aggressive media into the AAdd-containing polymer material. The
chemical resistant properties of AAdd are activated by harsh environmental
conditions where polymer systems without additives remain defenseless to
chemical corrosion.
AAdd can be mixed into a wide range of polymer materials such as epoxies,
polyurethanes, glues, nylons, polyolephines, synthetic rubbers and PVC offering
performance-enhancing attributes that increase the value of the end product. We
have developed an extensive product range of additives for upgrading the most
common polymers against a wide variety of aggressive media including acids, sea
water, fluorine, alkalies, and more. AAdd are an effective solution for many
applications. More than 80 products have been tested for use in the chemical
industry.
Advantages of Anticorrosive additives provide a number of distinct enhancements
for polymers offering manufacturers products with stronger, corrosion resistant
products. Chemical resistance tests were conducted on polymer systems over a
period of one year. The results revealed that AAdd-containing polymer systems
significantly outperform those systems without the additive. Furthermore,
extensive testing has shown that AAdd can increase product life by some 20
times. This extended life offers substantial savings for users who can extend
the life of their polymer-based products whether it is pipes, flooring, or
other materials that are exposed to specific corrosive environments.
Products that have been enhanced with AAdd yield a higher impact strength than
products without the additive. In addition, material permeability is reduced
significantly 15-20 times. The percentages of AAdd mixed with a polymer matrix
is relatively low, requiring only a small amount to obtain upgraded resistance
characteristics of polymer materials.
AAdd was independently developed by Prof. Figovsky, and was acquired by us
pursuant to a Technology Purchase Agreement dated January 1, 1998 for a
purchase price of $15,000, plus royalties equal to 49% of our net revenues from
sales or licenses of any products incorporating , payable for a period of 15
years commencing on January 1, 1998. To date, we have not derived any such
revenues from AAdd.
We are participating in the further research and development of a process,
developed by Remptech, to produce extra fine cobalt and nickel powders by
recycling materials containing cobalt and nickel. Powdered metallurgy is
generally acknowledged as being capable of yielding a product with superior
structural, physical and mechanical properties. We believe that the powdered
metallurgy process developed by Remptech is technologically advanced and, based
on Remptech's research and testing data, is capable of producing cobalt and
nickel powders of 99.8% purity and a grain size of 1-2 micro-centimeters. We
believe that such purities and grain sizes are significant factors in the
manufacture of materials of high quality and internal physical integrity from
powdered cobalt and nickel. Cobalt and nickel are among the three naturally
occurring elements that display magnetic properties at room temperature and are
widely used in metal alloys. Powdered cobalt and nickel are used in a wide
variety of industrial applications, including magnetic, electrical and
electronic materials and products.
We currently hold 50% of Remptech's common equity, which we acquired for
investments aggregating $180,000. We are committed to invest a further $120,000
in 2000, which will bring our interest in Remptech's equity to 57%.
To market the powdered metallurgy technology, we are at this time in technical
discussions with three European companies whose combined share of the world
market in cobalt and nickel recovery exceeds 90%. Two companies in Israel and
one in Canada have received samples for testing.
A patent application for powdered metallurgy technology was filed with the US
Patent and Trademark Office on July 30, 1998 and is pending.
We are participating in the further research and development of a process for
the CCS of ceramic, composite and intermetallic powders, including titanium
carbide powder, developed by Comsyntech. CCS is a newly devised process
utilizing the internal chemical energy of initial reactants in a continuous
action reactor, a device being developed by Comsyntech. We believe this process
offers competitive advantages (such as increased productivity and lower
production costs) over conventional technology. Comsyntech research and testing
data indicate that materials produced with the CCS technology have exhibited
superior high-thermomechanical properties such as high strength, thermo and
wear resistance and good corrosion stability. Based on these properties, we
believe that the CCS technology is of potentially significant utility in
producing ceramic, composite and intermetallic powders with potential
commercial application in the production of metal-cutting tools and abrasives;
metal alloys; aircraft and automotive combustor, nozzle and turbine parts;
piezo- and ferro-electric materials; and surgical instruments.
We currently hold a 20% share in the equity of Comsyntech, which we acquired
for our initial investment of $60,000. We are committed to invest in 2000 a
further $120,000, which will bring out share of the equity to 50%.
A patent application for continuous combustion synthesis technology was filed
with the Israeli Patent Office on November 17, 1998 and is pending.
Method for Continuous Combustion Synthesis of ceramic, composite and
intermetallic powders
Generally various ceramic and composite powders are batch-manufactured using
electrical and melting furnaces, different high-temperature sprayers, and
equipment for crushing and grinding. Synthesis conventionally occurs in a
closed reactor by the cyclical technique of loading, synthesis, cooling and
unloading. While effective, this technique has limitations that negatively
affect productivity. Not only is the cyclical process time consuming, the
process requires additional grinding of the end product. Where
high-temperatures are involved, a closed reactor has the added danger of an
accidental pressure increase that could ultimately result in destruction of the
apparatus.
The Continuous Action Reactor offers the competitive advantage of increased
productivity and lower production costs relative to conventional
high-temperature furnace reactors and powder production processes. One
apparatus replaces high-temperature furnaces as well as spraying and grinding
equipment. Furthermore, this method offers additional significant advantages
including, rapid production -- large quantities of materials can be produced
quickly; lower manufacturing costs -- expensive high-temperature furnaces,
complex processing and equipment are eliminated; reduced energy -- energy
consumption is greatly reduced offering cost and environmental improvements;
unique materials -- materials with new technological properties may be
generated as a result of high-temperature and shorter synthesis time; improved
properties -- purification of admixtures during synthesis enables high purity
materials to be obtained; various materials -- the synthesis process enables
the direct production of different multicomponent materials, nonstoichiometric
compounds, solid solutions, etc. Smaller clearance limits -- The synthesizing
process involves small clearance limits; and reduced treatments -- final powder
products are produced without additional treatments such as crushing and
grinding.
Applications for materials produced from the continuous reaction reactor
exhibit excellent high-thermomechanical properties such as high strength,
thermo and wear resistance and good corrosion stability that can be used in a
broad range of applications. The following highlights only a fraction of the
powder applications possible in several different industries: metal working
industry - metal-cutting tools and abrasives; metallurgy industry -- alloying
additions; aircraft and automotive construction industry -- parts of
combustors, nozzles, turbines, etc.; energy industry -- turbine blade
coatings; electronics industry -- piezo- and ferro- electronics, etc.
The continuous action reactor-method is another product of Comsymtech.
RADEMATE Ltd developed cellulose-based a rapid biodegradable hydrophobic
material (RBHM). RBHM is a new, hydrophobic, strong, cheap and completely
biodegradable composite material that is environmentally friendly. RBHM has
shown great promise in improving the properties of both paper and plastics
packaging materials. Due to its biodegradable nature, Rapid Biodegradable
Hydrophobic Material is ideal to be applied for the disposable loose fill bags
and packages. The material can be used as a commodity in trade, industry and
agriculture for a wide range of applications.
To date, most attempts to produce biodegradable products for consumers focused
on developing plastics that could biodegrade. RBHM approaches biodegradable
products from the other direction -- making cellulose-based material with the
same physical properties as plastic, except the material biodegrades completely
in the same time as regular paper bags.
RBHM consists of cellulose (paper) and biodegradable organic additives.
Biodegradation of RBHM occurs in wet soil under normal enzymatic action of
various microorganisms -- fungi and bacteria.
The main advantages of RBHM are:
-
High Strength -- RBHM's strength characteristics, especially combined with low
elongation and acquired water resistance of the material, make RBHM unique and
highly desirable for packaging applications.
-
Water Resistance -- the RBHM keeps water resistance for one week. Thus it has
excellent prospects for many packaging applications. Most of the existing
biodegradable packaging products are not hydrophobic at all and will fail if
wetted during use.
-
Full Degradation in the Environment -- Enzymes begin breaking down RBHM in the
presence of moisture in natural environments such as soil. Then microorganisms
decompose the material with rapidly-occurring metabolic reactions. RBHM is
completely converted into carbon dioxide, water and biomass in 2 - 3 months in
wet soil. Thus this process completely coincides with the definition of
biodegradability given by most experts.
-
RBHM Uses Reproducible Natural Raw Materials -- The cheapest raw material, as
well as the most widespread organic material in nature, is cellulose. Cellulose
is renewable, reproducing itself through the natural cycle. Sound environmental
management balances resources, recycles whenever possible and uses the in a
renewable cycle. Cellulose is present widely on the planet -- in trees, bushes,
grass and other plants.
-
Relatively Low Cost -- The main obstacle to widespread use of biodegradable
polymers is cost. Biodegradable polymers are significantly more expensive ($10
- $1000) than commodity polymers ($2 -$5). The high costs involved in the
production of biodegradable polymers means that they cannot compete1 favorably
with conventional polymers. RBHM has no such cost barriers, characteristic of
all the other biodegradable plastics. This high cost blocked the widespread
adoption of biodegradable plastics in major consumer application. As RBHM is a
cellulose-based material, it can be manufactured with the existing paper and
pulp industry equipment using existing technologies. This means that it is only
insignificantly more expensive to produce than to produce paper itself.
Currently available degradable materials on the other hand can cost twice as
much.
The number of potential applications for RBHM is immense. Because RBHM can be
applied on sheets, films and fibers, it is suitable for a range of single-use
products, including, grocery and waste bags, the top and back sheets of
disposable diapers, packs and disposable eating utensils. It can be used to
create agricultural films and bags that cover ripening fruit. RBHM products
such as disposable plates and cups, films for food packaging, miscellaneous
everyday items and sanitary products are but a few of the possible
applications. Box and bag consumers are generally commercial and industrial
users requiring a particular packaging container for a specific product. Below
is the list of possible applications for RBHM:
Everyday Items such as trash bags, grocery bags, cups, plates, tablecloths and
other household goods;
Packaging Materials such as carton boxes, disposable containers for food
processing, bags for industrial products;
Agricultural Use such as mulch material, pots, composting bags for agriculture
wastes;
Textile and Other Industry such as biodegradable textile materials, synthetic
leather, biodegradable membranes;
Sanitary Products such as protection layer for disposable hygienic materials -
diapers, sanitary napkins, panties, towels, etc.
We have performed an in-plant demonstration of RHBM at a large paper company
and are engaged in discussions with a paper coatings manufacturer for
production of the material in the U.S. Samples have been sent to more than 30
companies worldwide that have indicated an interest in RHBM.
For a total investment to date of $90,000, we currently hold a 44% interest in
Rademate, the Israeli company that developed RHBM.
High Capacity Mineral Composite Sorbent for Oil Spill Removal
Many oil spill sorbents are already on the market. Sorbtech is an innovative
new product that can be used to sorb oil from oil spills, harbors, industries
and storage areas.
Sorbtech is composed of basalt non-woven fabric -- an ultra-fine basalt
filament. The special thermal vacuum and chemical treatment creates the
extremely high sorption capacity as compared to products currently on the
market. The mineral fiber material has a low production cost thus it has a good
market price.
The major advantages of Sorbech SB-1 are:
-
The extremely high sorption capacity. -- Regular sorption capacity for
products currently on the market is in the range of 0.8 - 30.0 grams of
petroleum products per gram of sorbent weight (gr/gr). The new SB-1 sorption
capacity is in the range of 40.0 - 70.0 gr/gr, depending on oil viscosity.
-
Reuse -- Extracted petroleum products may be reused. SB-1 may be used for
multiple oil extractions.
-
Low market cost -- Because material manufacturing costs are low, SB-1 is
highly competitive with products already on the market.
-
Low cost / non-hazardous waste disposal -- SB-1 can be used as an auxiliary
component in roads construction after multiple uses as an oil spill sorbent.
-
Naturally-occurring mineral -- SB-1 is an environmentally clean material.
-
Nonflammable -- SB-1 is thermally resistant (up to 700(degree)C).
Applications of SB-1 can be easily machined into different forms to facilitate
the clean up of petroleum products for different types of oil spills: sea water
open surfaces, soil contamination, industrial areas, machinery, gas stations,
etc.
Manufactured SB-1 takes many forms: pillows, booms, sleeves, and mats --
according to the specific user requirements. Mats with dimensions of 1.0 x 1.0
x 0.007m are possible for large spill areas.
When the SB-1 is applied over polluted water, oil is sorbed, but no water is
incorporated into the SB-1 bulk, thus improving the sorbent floating
ability. SB-1 will absorb only oil from emulsions -- eliminating the need for
detergents or other chemicals to break the emulsion.
Oil release from saturated SB-1 uses simple mechanical treatment such as
wringers, centrifuges, etc. The extracted oil products can be reused with
little if any reprocessing.
Extracted SB-1 is used as a foundation for asphalt roads for noise reduction.
This reuse is more economical than if it were recycled as sorbent. Because the
material and the petroleum product residual on the sorbent is totally
compatible with asphalt, there is no additional environmental stress added by
the reused material.
To date we have invested $60,000 in Sorbtech and are committed to invest
additional $150,000, for an eventual 50% of Sorbtech's equity. A manufacturer
in the U.S. has already indicated an interest in Sorbtech.
- Quaternary Ammonium Silicates (QAS)
Organomineral polymers based on quaternary ammonium silicates (QAS) are a new
kind of silicate material with excellent adhesion properties to hydrophilic and
hydrophobic surfaces, high chemical resistance against water and acids,
fire-resistance, and are environmentally compatible.
QAS have superior properties in comparison to epoxy resins and traditional
silicates, including: qhigh adhesion to metallic and concrete surfaces; extreme
stability in water; thermostability to 2000(degree) K; resistance to corrosion
and erosion; and excellent mechanical characteristics.
QAS may be used, as ammonia compounds; nas biocides; in textiles (if two long
chains) - as textile ofteners for home use; as the final rinse in the washing
machine; as a rinse after shampooing, mulsifiers; in metal working - as
additives to acid used in the cleaning and pickling of steel to prevent
hydrogen corrosion; in road building, bentonite treatment, oilfields; as
antistatic in polymers - e.g., in PVC belting; for the preparation of excellent
quality toner; as components in special systems of water purification; as
components in self-setting aqueous mixtures for the manufacture of chemically
resisting materials as additives in concrete and coatings; in
structure-directing agents, e.g., for the synthesis of molecular sieves with
high-modulus silica; in silicate salts - for blends of hydrophilic medical use;
as raw material for preparation of organosilanes; with aggregated titanium
pigment products containing QAS - for pigment preparation. As silicates,
anti-corrosion coating of different surfaces (metals, concrete, wood, etc.);
fire-protection coating; specific application; as glue .
To date we have invested $60,000To date we have invested $60,000 in Amsil, the
Israeli entity that is developing QMS, and are committed to invest additional
$150,000, for an eventual 50% of Amsil's equity.
- A organic/mineral fireproofing compound which protects wood products from
burning and does not emit toxic gases. The only mention I could find regarding
this technology was in the flyer that I received with my passes to NACExpo in
Orlando. I hope to be able to include more info after my visit to Orlando.
Not much is known about this most recently acquired technology other than the
claim that it
provides a keyless encryption capability like none other. Please note here that
although the company's name is Crypto.com, Inc. they have
no
affiliation with
the website of the same name, www.crypto.com
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