Nanophase Launches NanoArc® Aluminum Oxide Dispersions For UV-Cured Coatings

Solutions Enhance Scratch Resistance and Durability; Suitable for Use in Coatings Designed for Electronic Devices, Wood and Graphic Arts

Romeoville, IL (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - Nanophase Technologies Corporation (Nasdaq:NANX), a technology leader in nanomaterials and advanced nanoengineered products, has broadened its NanoArc® product portfolio with the addition of NanoArc® Aluminum Oxide dispersion additives.

The newest additions to the NanoArc® product line help formulators meet the rigorous scratch and mar resistance requirements of very thin, highly transparent coatings. These products are designed for ultraviolet (UV) cured coatings used on electronics and wood, and in a variety of graphic arts applications. This comprehensive product offering, featuring various sized nano and sub-micron alumina dispersed in commonly used monomers, significantly improves the scratch and wear resistance of coatings used to protect thousands of products, from cell phones and computers to furniture and high sheen magazine covers, providing improved durability while preserving high optical clarity and gloss.

Nanophase's proprietary manufacturing process delivers highly stable dispersions that allow formulators to easily incorporate the appropriately sized aluminum oxide particles into a coating. These products are designed for optimum compatibility with the other components in the coating, so that the particles remain well dispersed and non-agglomerated. Unlike other additives, NanoArc® Aluminum Oxide dispersions are active at low loading levels and do not negatively impact the application process or the mechanical properties of the coating.

Nanophase plans to showcase its new NanoArc® Aluminum Oxide dispersion solutions at the European Coatings Show being held in Nuremberg, Germany March 28 – 31, 2011. A detailed description of the NanoArc® family of products can be found on the Nanophase website, www.nanophase.com or by contacting Sales and Marketing at 630-771-6709 or sales-support@nanophase.com.

About Nanophase Technologies
Nanophase Technologies Corporation (NANX) is a leader in nanomaterials technologies and provides nanoengineered solutions for multiple industrial product applications. Using a platform of patented and proprietary integrated nanomaterial technologies, the Company creates products with unique performance attributes from two ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 14001 facilities. Nanophase delivers commercial quantity and quality nanoparticles, coated nanoparticles, and nanoparticle dispersions in a variety of media. Additional information can be found on the Nanophase website, www.nanophase.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains words such as "expects," "shall," "will," "believes," and similar expressions that are intended to identify forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Safe Harbor Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements in this announcement are made based on the Company's current beliefs, known events and circumstances at the time of publication, and as such, are subject in the future to unforeseen risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company's results of operations, performance and achievements to differ materially from current expectations expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, the following: a decision by a customer to cancel a purchase order or supply agreement in light of the Company's dependence on a limited number of key customers; uncertain demand for, and acceptance of, the Company's nanocrystalline materials; the Company's manufacturing capacity and product mix flexibility in light of customer demand; the Company's limited marketing experience; changes in development and distribution relationships; the impact of competitive products and technologies; the Company's dependence on patents and protection of proprietary information; the ability to satisfy and maintain minimum listing requirements of the NASDAQ Global Market; the resolution of litigation in which the Company may become involved; and other factors described in the Company's Form 10-K filed March 25, 2009. In addition, the Company's forward-looking statements could be affected by general industry and market conditions and growth rates. Except as required by federal securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements to reflect new events, uncertainties or other contingencies.

SOURCE: Nanophase Technologies Corporation

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