innovate arkansas

NanoMech LLC of Springdale announced in mid-January it landed a contract from KDH Defense Systems Inc. of Johnstown, Penn. The contract is for NanoMech to continue development of materials for body armor and is worth $350,000 to the company.

NanoMech, the parent company to 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.

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

NanoMech's technology is based on research done by Dr. 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 stated in the press release.

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.