Nuclear research center agrees to develop new technologies based on boron nitride nanotube

By Lim Chang-won Posted : August 5, 2020, 15:08 Updated : August 5, 2020, 15:08
 

[Courtesyh of Naieel Technology]


SEOUL -- South Korea's state nuclear research center teamed up with a private company to develop new technologies based on boron nitride nanotube, a new nano-material that can be used for space and nuclear technologies due to its excellent mechanical, thermal, and neutron-absorbing abilities.

Boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) is composed of hexagonal boron nitride constructed by combining boron and nitrogen and its basic structure is the same as carbon nanotube. BNNT's thermal and chemical stabilities, biocompatibility, electric insulating, and thermal neutron absorbing properties are much higher than those of carbon nanotube.

The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) said that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Naieel Technology on the development of application technologies based on next-generation nanomaterials. Naieel was established by KAERI researchers for the commercialization of BNNT and its applications to areas such as IT, space, nuclear, bio-medical and energy.

The two organizations agreed to work together for the development of new technologies by combining next-generation nanomaterials and nuclear power technologies, the institute said in a statement. "Through this cooperation, we will make efforts to expand a new material business by incorporating boron nitride nanotube into the radiation field," KAERI President Park Won-seok was quoted as saying.

Through technical cooperation, they would try to create a new market in nuclear power and radiation fields by developing source technologies and products based on BNNT. "Boron nitride nanotube is a new core nano-material that will change the paradigm of future industries, and we will grow into a global leader in related fields through cooperation with the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute," said Naieel CEO Kim Jae-woo.
 
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