UltraPole™ NXT
Established in 1963, the R&D 100 Awards is the only S&T (science and technology) awards competition that recognizes new commercial products, technologies and materials for their technological significance that are available for sale or license. The R&D 100 Awards have long been a benchmark of excellence for industry sectors as diverse as telecommunications, high-energy physics, software, manufacturing, and biotechnology.
This year's R&D 100 2020 winner is listed below in their respective category.
Category: Mechanical/Materials
Developers: Viance, LLC
Co-Developers: DuPont Microbial Control
United States
Product Description:With an estimated 2.5 million poles being treated every year in the United States, UltraPole NXT, developed by Viance, is a technology that leverages success in other applications to help the industry transition into a next generation of environmentally responsible wood preservation treatment. The currently used preservatives are inherently ecotoxic, particularly chlorinated dioxins and furans, which are highly toxic to birds, mammals and aquatic organisms. And these toxic compounds may transport to groundwater. More sustainable technologies should be considered as alternatives. UltraPole NXT was developed to be this sustainable solution. The active ingredient DCOI (4,5-Dichloro-2-n-octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one) does its job as a highly effective wood preservative. The engineered polymer ensures there is minimal dislodgeable DCOI residue on the surface of the pole. Any DCOI that enters the environment degrades rapidly. DCOI was awarded the inaugural Presidential Green Chemistry award for its use as a preservative in marine anti-fouling paints, and it is commonly used today in several applications such as exterior coatings and wood for residential decking. The same environmental benefits extend to preservation of utility poles.
Developers: Viance, LLC
Co-Developers: DuPont Microbial Control
United States
Product Description:With an estimated 2.5 million poles being treated every year in the United States, UltraPole NXT, developed by Viance, is a technology that leverages success in other applications to help the industry transition into a next generation of environmentally responsible wood preservation treatment. The currently used preservatives are inherently ecotoxic, particularly chlorinated dioxins and furans, which are highly toxic to birds, mammals and aquatic organisms. And these toxic compounds may transport to groundwater. More sustainable technologies should be considered as alternatives. UltraPole NXT was developed to be this sustainable solution. The active ingredient DCOI (4,5-Dichloro-2-n-octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one) does its job as a highly effective wood preservative. The engineered polymer ensures there is minimal dislodgeable DCOI residue on the surface of the pole. Any DCOI that enters the environment degrades rapidly. DCOI was awarded the inaugural Presidential Green Chemistry award for its use as a preservative in marine anti-fouling paints, and it is commonly used today in several applications such as exterior coatings and wood for residential decking. The same environmental benefits extend to preservation of utility poles.
Industrial wood treatment vessel