Frequently Asked Questions

What is RNT?

RNT develops and manufactures NanoFoil® to precisely control the instantaneous release of heat energy for joining and reaction initiation (energetics) applications.

When was RNT founded?

RNT was founded in January 2001.

How was the technology discovered?

In 1994, while assisting a company looking for a rapid heat source, RNT co-founder Dr. Tim Weihs and Dr. Troy Barbee of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory made a groundbreaking discovery that held the promise of changing the way many materials are joined. Their discovery was a multilayer foil, patented by Dr. Weihs and Dr. Barbee in 1996, that reacts and produces heat.

What is the foil composed of?

The foil consists of hundreds of nanoscale aluminum and nickel layers that are vapor deposited into a thick foil.

How is the technology applied?

For joining applications, the multilayer foil is placed between two components that need to be bonded, along with two layers of solder or braze. Pressure is applied to prevent the components from moving and the chemical reaction between the Al and Ni layers in the foil is activated. Heat from the foil’s reaction melts the solder or braze layers and enables metallic bonding at room temperature in less than one second.

For energetics applications, the heat energy that is released from the chemical reaction is used directly to further other reactions, such as igniting propellant.

How is the foil activated?

The reaction in the foil may be activated with a small pulse of local energy that can be applied using optical, electrical, or thermal sources.

What is “energetics”?

Energetics, also referred to as reaction initiation, covers a number of applications ranging from well stimulation to fuse trip indicators.  It is based on the creation of a reaction, many times in the form of heat, to ignite a larger reaction such as the deployment of an automobile’s airbag during an accident.

Why is RNT’s technology better than other methods of joining / reaction initiation?

RNT’s NanoFoil® utilizes controlled, localized heat and thus can be engineered to deliver broad ranges of reaction temperatures, reaction rates and reaction energies in any environment.  It overcomes the problems and challenges presented by current solutions – generally using a standard furnace – by being less labor intensive, more reliable and safer (for energetics applications).  For joining applications the bonds created will experience lower stress, the materials being joined will not experience any damage (you are only heating the interface being joined) and dissimilar materials such as metal to ceramics) can easily and affordably be bonded.

What are common applications for the foil?

Currently, our major markets are joining of sputtering targets and electronic component assembly.  However, the foil’s versatile nature allows it to be used in an unlimited number of ways.

How do I become a user of NanoFoil?

RNT offers a number of ways to become a user of NanoFoil.  You have the opportunity to send your parts or components to RNT or one of our authorized service partners, or becoming a licensed user yourself.

Will I have to upgrade my manufacturing facilities in order to use the foil?

No. It is not necessary to upgrade your manufacturing facilities. Our foil enables rapid room temperature soldering or brazing with minimal capital equipment.

Will I need any type of special environment to use the foil?

No. The entire reaction can be done in air and at room temperature, which means that there is no need to join the bonds in a cleanroom or a specially designed furnace.

RNT’s foil promotes the use of lead-free solders, why is this important to the environment?

The removal of lead from solders is important for many reasons. From an environmental perspective, lead is a toxic metal that damages nerve and brain cells. This is particularly relevant in the electronics industry, as lead-based solders are commonly used and cannot be recycled. Legislation has been filed in the UK that will ultimately ban the use of lead from solders, and other countries are expected to follow this direction in the near future.

How long does it take to form the bonds or initiate a reaction?

The average time that it takes for a reaction to start or components to join after activation of the foils is 10 milliseconds, or just 1/100th of a second.  The bonding time is essentially instantaneous, and the entire device cools and can be handled within seconds.

Reactive NanoTechnologies, Inc.
Address
111 Lake Front Dr.
Hunt Valley, MD 21030
Contact Info
Phone: 410-771-9801
Fax: 410-771-0586