AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 18, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Applied Nanotech Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB:APNT) is pleased to announce that it has developed a new nanotechnology carbon composite material in partnership with Japanese sporting goods giant, Yonex. The new material, called Nanopreme™ by Yonex, has been shown to dramatically improve the performance of racquets and golf clubs and will be used in the next generation of golf clubs and badminton racquets to be introduced by Yonex in the first quarter of 2011.
Nanopreme™, the carbon nanotube (CNT) enhanced epoxy resin results in improved performance of golf clubs and racquets. During product testing, Nanopreme scored improvements of 14 percent, 21 percent, and 24 percent, in flexural strength (bending strength), flexural modulus (stiffness) and impact strength (addressing external shock) respectively compared to conventional carbon materials. This results in products that are lighter, stronger, and more resilient than existing racquets and golf club shafts. In the case of golf clubs, this results in greater distance giving golfers the edge they are constantly seeking.
Golf clubs with Nanopreme™ shafts will be unveiled at the PGA Merchandise Show, being held in Orlando, FL from January 27-29, 2011. These clubs will be available for sale in February 2011 and Badminton racquets will be introduced in early March 2011. Yonex plans to release additional products using Nanopreme™ in the future.
"We have surpassed a major milestone today with the commercialization of products utilizing our technology and the endorsement of a highly respected sporting goods leader such as Yonex. We have always led in the field of nanotechnology R&D and we are excited to begin taking the same leadership position in the commercialization of products using our technologies," commented Doug Baker, CEO of Applied Nanotech Holdings.
"The applications of these CNTs are, we believe, truly innovative and will serve as a catalyst to other similar products that can be greatly improved using our carbon composite material. We have a great working partnership with Yonex and look forward to the long-term commercial success of the many product lines using Nanopreme™," stated Dr. Zvi Yaniv, CEO of Applied Nanotech, Inc.
The partnership between Applied Nanotech and Yonex grants Yonex the exclusive right to use Applied Nanotech's CNT composite technology in the manufacture and sale of its golf club shafts and racquets in Japan and Taiwan, and the nonexclusive rights to sell the product on a worldwide basis. Applied Nanotech has received upfront royalty and will receive ongoing royalties based on sales of Yonex's products using the technology.
ABOUT APPLIED NANOTECH HOLDINGS, INC.
Applied Nanotech Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB:APNT) is a premier research and commercialization organization focused on solving problems at the molecular level. Its team of PhD level scientists and engineers work with companies and other organizations to solve technical impasses and create innovations that will create a competitive advantage. The business model is to license patents and technology to partners that will manufacture and distribute products using the technology. Applied Nanotech has over 250 patents or patents pending. Applied Nanotech's website is .
About Yonex Co., Ltd.
Founded in 1946, Yonex Co., Ltd. is a world leader in sporting goods, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Yonex is the world's #1 manufacturer of badminton racquets and also has a strong position in tennis racquets, golf clubs, snowboards, and other sporting related products.
SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties concerning our business, products, and financial results. Actual results may differ materially from the results predicted. More information about potential risk factors that could affect our business, products, and financial results are included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, and in reports subsequently filed by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). All documents are available through the SEC's Electronic Data Gathering Analysis and Retrieval System (EDGAR) at or from our website listed above. We hereby disclaim any obligation to publicly update the information provided above, including forward-looking statements, to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
CONTACT: Doug Baker Applied Nanotech Holdings, Inc. 248.291.0612 dbaker@appliednanotech.net