Nanocomposite Compounds

RTP Company offers nanocomposite compounds with 2 - 8% loadings, producing lightweight parts with impact strength similar to the unfilled resin.

The additive is an organically treated mica-like clay that separates into microscopic platelets and disperses evenly throughout the resin. One gram of the dispersed clay has a surface area of over 750 square meters. This is an indication of large aspect ratio, which is key to the nanocomposite's unique properties - particularly barrier enhancement.

A major advantage of these 'polymer nanocomposites' is the increase in heat deflection temperatures (HDT) over the unfilled resin, comparable to a 20 - 30% load of a standard mineral-filled compound. Also, of potential importance is a reduction in heat release rates of approximately 50%.

An additional benefit of the new compound is enhanced barrier properties against moisture, gasses, and fragrances, because the large aspect ratio layers create an extremely tortuous path for diffusion, they perform exceptionally well in packaging applications.

RTP Company's nanocomposite shows an increase in HDT of 53% over unfilled resin with very little change in specific gravity. Achieving a similar HDT using a 30% mineral filled compound results in a 20% increase in specific gravity over unfilled resin. Tensile strength improves 48% over a 30% mineral filled compound and 63% over unfilled nylon 6.

For more information on nanocomposite compounds, contact RTP Company at (800)433-4787

RTP Company, 580 East Front Street, P.O. Box 439. Tel: 507-454-6900; Fax: 507-454-2041.