Alexium International Group Ltd. — an Australia- and Greer, S.C.-based developer of specialty chemicals and solutions such as eco-friendly flame-retardant (FR) treatments on man-made-fiber materials — and Duro Textiles LLC — a Fall River, Mass.-based textile manufacturer offering dyeing, printing, coating and finishing solutions for a range of end-use markets including military, industrial, apparel, nonwoven and others — are set to begin production runs for an undisclosed application.

Alexium holds proprietary patent applications for Reactive Surface Treatment technology, a process developed originally by the U.S. Department of Defense to modify surfaces or substrates and attach nanoparticles or multiple chemical functional groups to provide various functional properties including FR, antimicrobial, water and oil repellency, ultraviolet protection, and others. The FR treatment it has developed is based on a charring process that extinguishes the flame and also prevents melting or dripping. The treatment will be applied to Duro's 95-percent-plus nylon products for North American military, government and commercial applications.

"Transitioning our FR nylon treatment to Duro's production floor is a key near-term objective," said Stefan Susta, COO and executive director, Alexium. "Both parties are eager to get over the last development stages and get products into the market."

Alexium plans to develop and license treatments for nylon blends and non-textile applications.

January 15, 2013