NanoSteel Announces Brian Merkle to Participate in
ASTM International’s Standards Committee on Abrasive Wear

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Thursday, January 15, 2009) - The NanoSteel® Company, a leader in nanostructured steel alloy surface technologies, is pleased to announce that Brian Merkle, director - engineering operations, will participate in ASTM International’s Committee G02.30 on Abrasive Wear, a subcommittee of ASTM’s Committee G02 on Wear and Erosion.

ASTM International’s Committee G02.30 on Abrasive Wear develops test methods, standard practices, guides and suggested reporting procedures for tests related to the abrasion of materials caused by abrasive particles. Merkle will work on this committee’s task group for revisions to ASTM’s G65-04 Standard Test Method for Measuring Abrasion Using the Dry Sand/Rubber Wheel Apparatus, a test utilized by the wear industry to evaluate a product’s resistance to abrasive wear.

“We are very pleased with the inclusion of Brian as a worthy contributor in the ongoing discussion and development of ASTM International wear testing standards,” says Tom Santos, vice president of operations.

Merkle manages operations at NanoSteel’s applications engineering and R&D facilities in Idaho Falls. Prior to joining NanoSteel, Merkle held positions of increasing responsibility at Superior Graphite Company in Chicago and the U.S Department of Energy's Ames Laboratory at Iowa State University. Merkle is an Iowa State University graduate with B.S. and M.S. degrees in metallurgical engineering. In addition to ASTM International, Merkle is also a member of APMI International and the American Ceramic Society (ACerS).

ASTM International is one of the largest voluntary organizations in the world for the development of technical standards for materials, products, systems and services. For more information about ASTM International and its committees, visit www.astm.org

The NanoSteel Company, Inc., headquartered in Providence, R.I., develops and markets a patented portfolio of Super Hard Steel nanostructured alloy coating, overlay and wear plate solutions that effectively solve or alleviate many operational challenges faced in critical industries today, including wear, erosion and corrosion in a wide range of complex service environments. For additional information, call toll free 1-877-293-NANO or visit www.nanosteelco.com.