VANCOUVER, BC — December 1, 2009 — IBC Advanced Alloys Corp. (TSX-V: IB) (“IBC” or the “Company”) announces that it has signed a collaborative research proposal (the “Proposal”) with a leading Washington, DC based clean energy consulting company. The research, supported by funding from the National Science Foundation Small Business Research Program (“SBIR”), aims to explore the development and commercial application of beryllium and beryllium oxides (BeO) in the growing wind energy and wind turbine market.
The Proposal addresses a major challenge affecting wind turbine reliability caused by wear resistance and bearing failure. IBC and its research partner will assess the technical and commercial feasibility of an advanced plasma-based method of applying a BeO coating to three metal alloys: beryllium, beryllium copper, and aluminum bronze. A BeO coating on bearings would dramatically increase the wear resistance of the bearings in wind turbines, thus increasing reliability and significantly reducing the costs of operation. Success of this work could lead to a large untapped market for BeO coated parts for use in the wind turbine industry, as well as other large industrial markets.
Under the terms of SBIR Phase I, IBC and its research partner will combine proprietary plasma technology with IBC’s unique beryllium materials technology to work toward solving bearing failure, which is the number one problem of the growing wind energy market. SBIR Phase I, if approved, will be supported with budget of approximately $150,000. A Phase II is planned to expand on the findings of Phase I.
“We’re very eager to work with our new research partner on this project who are acknowledged leaders in the clean energy and wind power market,” said Ken Shasteen, IBC’s Director of Technical Development. “Development and commercial application of this technology can significantly advance wind energy and allow operators and governments alike to more confidently invest in economically viable green energy solutions.”
About IBC Advanced Alloys Corp.
IBC Advanced Alloys Corp. is an integrated manufacturer and distributor of rare metal (beryllium-based) alloys and related products serving a variety of industries including nuclear and alternative energy, automotive, telecommunications and a range of industrial applications. IBC has 59 employees and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada with production facilities in Pennsylvania, Indiana and Missouri. Additionally, IBC owns prospective beryllium properties in the Western US and Brazil covering approximately 9,500 hectares. IBC is creating a dynamic global beryllium and advanced alloys company. IBC’s common shares are traded on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “IB”.
For additional information please contact:
IBC Advanced Alloys Corp.
Ian Tootill, Director of Corporate Communications
(604) 685-6263 ext 110
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ibcadvancedalloys.com
This news release was prepared by management of IBC, which takes full responsibility for its contents. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
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