Date: Jan 01, 2014 Author: press release Source: Company Data (
click here to go to the source)
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA- Integran Technologies USA Inc., a leading company in the area of metallurgical nano-technologies, has announced today th
at it has been awarded a Phase I SBIR contract by the US Department of Transportation (Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, Cambridge, MA) to develop hybrids of nanocrystalline metal and thermoplastic elastomers for use as Flangeway Gap Materials for rail crossings. These materials are intended to f ill flangeway gaps in tracks under light loads, but will compress or retract when a train wheel flange passes over.
"Flangeway gaps, while essential for directional changes in tracks, are a major inconvenience for pedestrians, cyclists and persons with disabilities using moving aids such as wheel chairs.", said Dr. Herbert Miller, a Scientist with Integran Technologies, USA. "Current elastomeric materials used as flangeway gap fillers do not hold up to the weights and speeds of travel of common freight systems. The proposed Nanometal-polymer hybrid technology combines the superior strength and wear resistance of Integran's nanocrystalline metals, while retaining the resilience of the elastomer, thereby ensuring safety for both trains and pedestrians at railway crossings".
The US DoT SBIR Program (Small Business Innovation Research) provides early-stage research & development funding directly to small US-based technology companies.
For more information, please contact:
Integran Technologies USA Inc.
Dr. Herbert Miller
(412) 638-1140 or Cell (412) 889 0931
Email: miller@integranusa.com
Website: www.integran.com/?utm_source=prl-100324&utm_medium=MW&utm_campaign=dotsbir
