innovate arkansas

NanoMech LLC of Springdale announced Tuesday it had landed a $350,000 contract from KDH Defense Systems Inc. of Johnstown, Pa. The contract is for NanoMech to continue development of materials for body armor.

NanoMech, the parent company of Duralor LLC, develops and manufactures application-specific nanoparticle additives, nanoparticle-based coatings and coating systems. The company was recently awarded a $770,000 U.S. Navy contract.

KDH is a fully integrated manufacturer, designer and supplier of military equipment, gear and apparel.

"NanoMech's expertise in nanomaterials and nanomanufacturing is what led us to partner with them and establish leadership in this space," Jeff Payne, project manager at KDH, said in a prepared statement.

The companies said nano-engineered materials might help improve the strength-to-weight ratio in body armor, increasing its overall effectiveness.

NanoMech's technology is based on research done by Ajay Malshe, a University of Arkansas professor and co-founder and chief technology officer of NanoMech.

"Innovations in nanomaterials represent key landmarks for this century, and applying those innovations to increase security of our troops and law enforcement officers is an incredible opportunity," Malshe said in the press release. "We are excited about our partnership with KDH and working with them to bring advanced body armor products to the market, while at the same time creating jobs in Arkansas and Pennsylvania."

NanoMech, under the Duralor name, was the first company to locate its operations in the Springdale Technology Park, near downtown Springdale. The facility opened in the spring of last year.