A new high-tech production facility for multi-walled carbon nanotubes has officially been launched in Novosibirsk. The project was implemented through the joint efforts of the NTI Competence Center and the Boreskov Institute of Catalysis of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, marking an important step in the development of the domestic advanced materials and radio electronics industries. Investments in establishing the enterprise totaled 680 million rubles, allocated by the NTI Foundation over the past three years for large-scale research and development (R&D) work, as well as the procurement of advanced laboratory and production equipment.
Essence of the Technology and Applications
Carbon nanotubes are unique hollow cylindrical structures made of carbon, with a thickness thousands of times smaller than a human hair. Externally, the finished product looks like a lightweight black powder obtained in specialized reactors from carbon-containing gases using high-performance catalysts. This material possesses exceptional physical, mechanical, and electrical conductive properties, making it applicable across various industries—from the manufacture of modern batteries to the creation of conductive additives for radio electronics.
Infrastructure Protection from Emergencies
One of the key practical objectives of the new production facility is ensuring the safety of industrial and strategic sites. According to experts and NTI representatives, the development can be effectively used to protect facilities from fires and destruction, including those resulting from unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) attacks. Nanotubes are added to special paints, plastics, and rubber in small concentrations, significantly increasing the fire resistance of coatings and materials used in fuel transportation and the construction of protective structures.
Import Substitution and Economic Impact
The launch of the enterprise in Novosibirsk aims to radically reduce the Russian industry's dependence on foreign supplies of similar high-tech products. Previously, a significant portion of carbon nanotubes was imported from abroad, creating certain risks for supply chains in strategic sectors. The implementation of the 680 million ruble project helps establish a reliable domestic raw material base and stimulates the further development of materials science in the country.
