Materials Modification, Inc. (MMI)
Materials Modification, Inc. (MMI) is a private, U.S.-based technology company and an established pioneer in the field of advanced materials, with a specialized focus on nanomaterials and coatings technology. Founded in 1986 and located in Fairfax, Virginia, the company has operated for decades at the intersection of material science, chemical research, and innovative process engineering. MMI's fundamental mission is to apply science and process innovation to accelerate the performance of materials, engineering and tailoring advanced solutions to fabricate high-performance components. These proprietary materials are designed to replace conventional materials, thereby significantly expanding the functional capabilities of next-generation products, often with an emphasis on miniaturization, which directly supports the development of Nano- and Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (NEMS/MEMS).
Continue…Core Business and Technological Focus
MMI's core business revolves around a "science-to-commerce" model, which involves an integrated approach from fundamental research through to piloted manufacturing and commercialization. The company maintains an extensive portfolio of cutting-edge research projects, frequently working with both federal agencies (as a known participant in the Small Business Technology Transfer - STTR - program) and private industry partners. Their unique capabilities allow them to develop novel materials and processes to solve complex engineering challenges across various sectors, including defense, medical, automotive, and general industry.
A key part of the company's strategy is technology transition: MMI develops the foundational processes, pilots the initial manufacturing, and then builds the necessary commercial relationships to scale and license the technologies on a worldwide basis. This model also includes licensing specialized equipment for the production of their advanced engineered materials. The materials science focus is broad, including chemical research, advanced material technologies, and specialized solutions such as iridium-based advancements.
Products and Services Portfolio
Materials Modification, Inc.'s offerings are segmented across a diverse range of industries, unified by their underlying use of nanotechnology and proprietary material processing techniques. The primary offerings include advanced material processing techniques, high-performance protective coatings, and end-use specialized products.
Advanced Material Processing and Equipment
MMI develops and offers unique processes for consolidating and engineering materials at the nano- and submicron scale, a capability critical for producing the miniature and highly functional components required in the MEMS and NEMS sectors.
- SPS-P2C (Powder Consolidation Technique): A patented and novel process for the consolidation of submicron and nanomaterials. This technique is essential for manufacturing high-density, high-performance parts that retain the unique properties of their nanoscale building blocks.
Protective and Functional Coatings/Textiles
A significant portion of MMI???s commercial products focuses on protective applications, leveraging advanced nanotechnology for enhanced durability, safety, and specialized protection.
- Comfortex TM: A nonporous, advanced fabric engineered to provide high breathability and superior wind-shielding capabilities. Crucially, it offers protection against chemical and biological agents, indicating a use in military or high-risk industrial environments.
- FLARET TM: An outstanding halogen-free flame retardant solution designed for treating textile fabrics, enhancing safety without the use of environmentally problematic halogenated compounds.
- Nix-It TM: A stain and water repellent treatment developed for application on textiles and various other surfaces, providing enhanced material longevity and ease of maintenance.
- Zipp Stat TM: An antistatic spray product formulated to prevent lint and dust from clinging to fabrics and other materials.
Specialized and Industrial Products
MMI has also successfully commercialized various specialty materials and products for niche markets, demonstrating the versatility of their materials science expertise.
- GRO-KLOT TM: A traumatic wound treatment developed to be capable of self-pressurization, making it a fast and effective solution against severe wounds and large blood vessel injuries.
- Silvamat TM: A specialized, fast-acting "Peel & Place" antimicrobial patch. Its application is primarily for the treatment of burns and recalcitrant wounds, leveraging silver-based nanotechnology for infection control.
- Fensil TM: A multifunctional dressing engineered to provide significant pain relief for burns while also promoting accelerated healing.
- Rite Surge ®: A soft metallurgical product specifically formulated for use in high-mileage vehicles. Its function is to renew engine life and improve compression.
- FF-A-Triple-F (Fluorine Free AFFF): An environmentally conscious, eco-friendly fire-fighting foam designed to effectively extinguish gasoline and hydrocarbon fires.
- GaRAD: A high-energy radiation shielding product that utilizes non-toxic, lead-free materials to provide effective protection in sensitive applications.
Role in Nanotechnology and MEMS/NEMS
Materials Modification, Inc. plays a foundational role in the nanotechnology and MEMS ecosystem not by manufacturing the final micro-devices, but by supplying the necessary advanced materials and consolidation technologies. The company's core research in nanomaterials and its stated goal to "facilitate miniaturization" directly supports the next generation of NEMS (Nano-Electro-Mechanical Systems) and MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) devices. The ability to engineer materials with specific electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties at the nanoscale, as achieved through processes like SPS-P2C, is essential for the fabrication of smaller, more sensitive, and more resilient micro- and nano-scale sensors, actuators, and electronic components. By focusing on high-performance materials that can withstand harsh environments or possess novel functionalities (e.g., radiation shielding, chemical protection), MMI enables advancements in miniaturized systems for defense, aerospace, and biomedical applications.
