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Specimen Name: adidas adiZero Prime SP track shoe with Cal Nano “Lone Star” spike
Vital Statistics:
The adidas Innovation Team and California Nanotechnologies
(Cal Nano) worked together to create “the lightest and strongest
track shoe in the world.” Originally designed for Olympic
athletes, shoes are now available on the mass market.
Produced using computer-controlled multi-stage progressive
cold forgers, the metal matrix nano composite (MMNC) spike is
made of an advanced powder metallurgy composite comprised
of micro- and nano-reinforcements embedded in a 6000 series
aluminum matrix—a material substantially stronger, stiffer, and
harder than aerospace aluminum alloys.
Success Factors:
The concept of building an ultra-light, nano-based track shoe
originated from the “barefoot” running movement, with the goal
of creating a way for athletes to experience the track as closely as
possible without sacrificing
performance.
With greater hardness,
strength, and wear
resistance than conventional
steel alloys, the Cal Nano R&D
team helped develop an
enhanced spike one-third
the weight of traditional
designs. The nano spike is
able to grip onto a thinner
shoe, allowing runners to
experience a barefoot
sensation.
About the Innovators:
Integrating nanotechnology within the track shoe design occurred
under the guidance of Mic Lussier, director of the adidas Innovation
Team, to produce shoes for athletes at the Beijing and London Olympics.
Based on several gold medal finishes, the technology was further
optimized under the joint direction of Chris Melnyk, CEO of Cal Nano.
What’s Next:
Nanotechnology offers application possibilities across a range of industries due
to its lightweight, high strength attributes. Automotive components are one example, as
federal mandates dictate ever more stringent fuel economy standards. Another promising field is
aerospace, with new nano- aluminum, titanium, and superalloys being developed for use in airframes, rocket engines,
scram jet engines, and satellite systems.
Cal Nano is working with leading universities to develop advanced nano-titanium for use in biomedical implants
and also produces nano-enhanced, carbide-based thermal spray powders and coatings for use in extreme environments
such as down-hole applications in the oil and gas industry.Contact Details:
California Nanotechnolo
1
562/991-5355,
corp.com, www.calnanocorp.com
Welcome to Success Analysis, a
new department featuring in - the- field
reporting on significant advances in
materials science. In each issue, we
will highlight a state - of - the - art
facility, product, research project, or
organization making a noteworthy
impact on the world of materials
engineering.
Nanocomposite wire.
adidas adiZero Prime SP track shoes sport
nano-based spikes that are one-third the
weight of steel-based designs.
Nanocomposite wire enters the cold
forging system.
SucceSS AnAlySiS
ADVANCED MATERIALS & PROCESSES • FEBRUARY 2014