Patent Number: 6893492
Docket Number: 7803
Serial Number: 10657300
Date Patented: 05/17/2005

Technology Description: ARS scientists have discovered that nanocomposite materials may be used to produce enhanced flame retardant properties. This nanocomposite is a material made of distinctly dissimilar components, cellulose and clay, and mixed at the nanometer scale.  Nanometer scales are used to measure very small increments of length. This invention represents the first inorganic/organic nanocomposite system based on cellulose. This product shows enhanced flame retarding abilities and is environmentally friendly. It can be easily produced on the existing wet-jet dry spinning equipment with minimal modifications. Fibers from this product can be used to produce non-woven or woven textiles enhanced with flame resistance. This product has the potential of being used as insulating material. Cellulose is generally more expensive to work with than synthetic polymers. Textile companies could use this technology. Reference: Please refer to USPN 6,893,492 (Docket #0078.03), "Nanocomposites of Cellulose and Clay," which issued on May 17, 2005.  Foreign rights are available. Inventors: Leslie A. White   Cotton Chemistry and Utilization Research New Orleans, LA  70124-4305 (504)286-4550 / Fax: (504)286-4419 lwhite@srrc.ars.usda.gov  Christopher D. Delhom  (Same as first inventor) (504)286-4337 / Fax: (504)275-4419  cdelhom@srrc.ars.usda.gov