Jorma Virtanen, an internationally respected researcher in the fields of carbon nanotechnology and biophysics, has been named chief nanoscientist at Tesla.
Dr. Virtanen has been a major figure in nanotechnology for more than 40 years. He holds numerous patents and patent applications in the areas of biophysics and nanoscience. His technology was selected as “Best Nanoproduct in the World 2006” in the Tokyo NanoExhibition, while his CNT-nanoepoxy (Hybtonite) has been used in many applications including the coating of a ship, which saved 10 percent in fuel costs during a one year test period.
The first Professor of Nanoscience in the first Nanoscience Center in Finland, Dr. Virtanen has a BS in Chemistry, an MS in Chemistry and Mathematics and a PH.D in Chemistry from the University of Helsinki.
Tesla is currently partnering with the University of Akron to advance the development of highly effective corrosion-control coatings using carbon nanotubes. Virtanen will be spearheading this effort, according to Tesla President and CEO Todd Hawkins.
“Corrosion is a massive problem plaguing nearly every U.S. industry,” said Hawkins. “Jorma’s leadership will prove invaluable in our efforts to create new solutions that greatly reduce corrosion and the related deterioration caused to equipment and infrastructure.”
