FLEXcon Helps NASA Develop Ideas into Reality with Polyimide Aerogel Technology
FLEXcon, an innovator in adhesive coating and laminating, is participating in a signing ceremony today at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio to mark FLEXcon’s manufacturing and marketing of Glenn’s patent pending polyimide aerogels for many aerospace applications such as insulation for cryotanks and spacesuits, as well as more down-to-Earth uses in construction, refrigeration and pipe insulation.
There are several real-world uses for the polyimide aerogel technology. For example, it will be one of the layers of the High-Pressure Extravehicular Activity Gloves designed by Final Frontier Design for a NASA Small Business Innovation Research contract. The goal is to develop advanced spacesuit gloves suitable for use in the Martian environment and other long duration missions. FLEXcon will also provide additional materials for the glove. Aerogel is also used in consumer applications. Outerwear startup Lukla Apparel creates “NASA tech-infused” gear to keep skiers and outdoor adventurers warm. Lukla is actively testing polyimide aerogel to create a line of apparel that keep wearers warm without adding bulk. The magic of aerogel is in the open cell pore size, which allows it to trap air, and therefore keep products warm or cold with a super-thin layer.
“At FLEXcon, we are excited about the business opportunities the polyimide aerogel technology affords us,” said Neil McDonough, President and CEO, FLEXcon. “As a supporter of U.S. manufacturing and innovation, FLEXcon is excited to be a manufacturing partner that can help NASA develop its ideas into commercial reality.”
The ceremony’s speakers include McDonough, NASA Glenn Director Jim Free, and Glenn’s Director of the Office of Technology Incubation and Innovation John Sankovic. Following the signing of the agreement, there will be a tour of the aerogels research facility where scientists are discovering new ways to revolutionize aerogels. For more information about the polyimide aerogels technology developed at the Glenn Research Center, visit: http://technology-grc.ndc.nasa.gov/.
For continuous product updates, industry news and engagement follow FLEXcon on Twitter @FLEXcon. For more information about the polyimide aerogels technology, please contact FLEXcon at 508-885-8440 / Aerogel@flexcon.com.
About FLEXcon
FLEXcon is an innovator in adhesive coating, laminating and finishing of durable materials used in graphics applications, electronics and new products. Through a culture of curiosity, flexibility and a drive for excellence, FLEXcon is the trusted partner to a wide range of companies from printers and fabricators to engineers and designers developing products for existing and emerging markets. Headquartered in Spencer, Mass. the company has operations throughout North America and Europe with distribution worldwide. For more information, visit www.FLEXcon.com or call 1-508-885-8200.
