BUFFALO, N.Y., June 13, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The InVentures Group, Inc. ("IVG") is pleased to announce that it has recently been retained by NUENZ, Ltd., a company based in New Zealand, to provide assistance in commercializing a revolutionary new nanomaterial. NUENZ is focused on the development and commercialization of advanced silicon nitride nanofibers, a material that has significant potential in a wide range of industrial applications. Silicon nitride is generally considered to have the most desirable combination of mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of any advanced technical ceramic material. In addition, its corrosion resistance, high fracture toughness, and wear resistance make it useful in challenging applications including heat exchangers, turbocharger rotors, nozzles, bearings, seals, valves, and others. The potential availability of a high performance reinforcement, such as silicon nitride nanofibers, is expected to have a major positive impact on the commercial development of a new generation of high performance ceramic-, metal-, and polymer matrix composite parts.
John Errington, CEO of NUENZ, commented: "We are very excited about the collaboration with IVG and the potential to accelerate the commercial applications of our unique nanomaterial. It was very important that we partner with an organization that had both the technical and industrial experience in commercializing advanced ceramics and nanomaterials. As importantly, we wanted to bring in experts who had an entrepreneurial background and understood the challenges and dynamics of a start-up company like ours. In IVG, we found a great resource that had that very unique combination and look forward to accelerating our commercial and marketing efforts with their assistance."
Keith Blakely, CEO of IVG, added: "As someone who has seen the advanced ceramic industry grow and evolve over the past 35 years, I am very excited about the possibilities that this unique reinforcement material offers the ceramic community. In the mid-80's, we saw major advances in a number of high performance products come out of the commercial introduction of ceramic whiskers and continuous fibers. The anticipated benefit of nanosized reinforcements and their ability to be easily incorporated into existing manufacturing methods is expected to lead to tremendous new products. We are excited to be involved with NUENZ to bring this product to market."
Nuenz is currently working with a number of industrial partners, manufacturers of metal, ceramic and polymer composites, to explore commercial applications of the silicon nitride nanofibres but open to exploring new relationships with interested parties.
About The InVentures Group: The InVentures Group partners with entrepreneurs, innovators, and executives in corporate organizations to help them achieve success. The company collaborates with organizations of all sizes, in any stage of development, to create self-sustaining and profitable businesses while maintaining each company's unique culture and personality. InVentures is staffed by successful entrepreneurs and executives who share the passion of their clients and offer technical, strategic, business, and financial services to maximize results in the most cost-effective manner possible. A complete list of the services offered can be found on their website.
The The InVentures Group, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=13271
About NUENZ: Nuenz brings together key players from the New Zealand research community with a management team with significant experience in primary industries, value added products like nanomaterials and successful start up businesses. Nuenz has growth funding from shareholder New Zealand Coal and Carbon Ltd. The Ministry of Science + Innovation has also invested substantial TechNZ funds in NUENZ.
A photo accompanying this release is available at: http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=13269
