The Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane Division had developed a new Thermite Composition that was claimed to burn at higher temperatures while being less toxic. They approached FirstLink to help them discover other applications for this technology.

FirstLink assessed the primary application and identified additional applications of the technology. We assessed the advantages and disadvantages of the technology within each application.

Outcome

The intended application was for cutting in disaster situations. FirstLink identified additional applications of disaster clean up, flares, fire starters, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) and general construction/welding. These applications were assessed and prioritized. Potential licensees are being sought in multiple fields of use now (based upon these additional applications). These additional applications hold the potential to deliver additional royalty revenue streams back to the laboratory.