- SWeNT is currently the only U.S. manufacturer permitted to commercially distribute SWCNTs -

NORMAN, OK -- December 15, 2010 -– SouthWest NanoTechnologies, Inc. (SWeNT), the world leader in high quality carbon nanotubes (CNT), has received an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) consent order which will permit SWeNT to manufacture and distribute Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNT) for commercial applications.

Previously the Company distributed its SWCNT via a Low Release, Low Exposure (LOREX) PMN exemption from the EPA.

SWeNT is currently the only U.S. manufacturer permitted to commercially distribute SWCNTs.

The EPA granted this consent order under the Toxic Control Substances Act (TSCA), which requires defining each company’s carbon nanotubes as a new chemical substance. The EPA also requires manufacturers who intend to distribute commercial quantities to obtain a consent order prior to CNT commercial production although small quantities are permitted for research and development.

“We have ramped up our production capacity and manufacturing teams in anticipation of this consent order, and will now be in a position to satisfy the commercial demand for our products in the specified applications,” explains SWeNT CEO Dave Arthur.

The consent order states that SWeNT’s Single-Wall CNTs can be used as a conductive coatings component, utilizing the CNTs as a dispersion or ink. Using patented V2V™ Ink Technology, developed by alliance partner Chasm Technologies, Inc., SWeNT has produced CNT Inks that allow customers to print large-area, low-cost devices for a wide range of applications including energy-efficient lighting, affordable photovoltaics, improved energy storage and printed electronics.

SWeNT also produces Specialty Multi-Wall (SMW™) CNTs via a separate consent order previously granted by the EPA. Applications for this SMW material include composites for enhanced body armor and as an additive in resins, thermoplastics and elastomers for enhanced electrical performance necessary for improving battery performance in Plug-in Electric Hybrid Vehicles (PHEV).

About SWeNT:

SouthWest NanoTechnologies (SWeNT) is a privately-held specialty chemical company that manufactures high quality Single-Wall and Specialty Multi-Wall carbon nanotubes, printable inks and CNT-coated fabrics for a range of products and applications. SWeNT was created in 2001 to spin off nanotube research developed at the University of Oklahoma. For more information, please visit www.swentnano.com.