DuPont Engineering Polymers and California-based PowerMetal Technologies Inc. (Carlsbad) will collaborate on the further development and commercialization of MetaFuse nanocrystalline metal/polymer hybrid technology. The technology uses a proprietary process to apply nanometal to components made of DuPont Engineering Polymers, resulting in lightweight components with complex shapes offering the stiffness of magnesium or aluminum but with higher strength. Initial development programs are focused on electronic hand-held devices, sporting goods, furniture, power tools, and appliances. In 2007, DuPont formed a similar alliance with Morph Technologies to bring the technology to the automotive market.

DuPont says nanoparticles are not created at any stage in the manufacturing process, attempting to allay environmental and health concerns surrounding nanotechnology, and under the agreement, DuPont will provide proprietary resin formulation and application-development to customers interested in the technology, while PowerMetal will offer its nanotechnology expertise. Other terms and conditions were not disclosed.

Last October, DuPont announced an alliance with Canadian-based Morph Technologies Inc., Integran Technologies Inc., and PowerMetal to develop and commercialize the nanocrystalline metal/polymer hybrid technology for the automotive, consumer electronics, and sporting goods markets.

PowerMetal’s technology has been featured in several notable products, including the EPIC golf shaft, which combines the lightweight performance of graphite with the strength of steel.  The EPIC shaft has been used by more than 100 tour professionals, including Trevor Immelman, winner of the 2008 Masters. Immelman’s driver, fairway wood, and hybrid club at Augusta featured EPIC shafts. DuPont Engineering Polymers, Wilmington, DE, U.S.A.; +1 800-441-0575; http://plastics.dupont.com.