Nanocor, Bayer to Market Nylon Nanocomposite Resins
Nanocor, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of AMCOL International Corp., and Bayer AG, Leverkusen, Germany, are working on the commercialization of a new line of nylon nanocomposite resins for use in barrier packaging applications. Introduced last week at K'98, the world's largest tri-annual plastics and rubber fair in Düsseldorf, Germany, Bayer AG's product line of nylon nanocomposite resins incorporate Nanocor's products and will be used for a variety of rigid and flexible packaging applications. According to John Hughes, AMCOL chairman and CEO, Nanocor has worked closely with Bayer to bring the products to this commercial stage. The timing for shipments of the new nanocomposite resins, says Hughes, is uncertain.
Nanocor President Peter Maul said, "We're delighted that Bayer has chosen to go commercial with nanocomposites. When a company of Bayer's caliber moves ahead, it stimulates a greater interest into what nanocomposite technology can do for plastics in general. We've worked together to adapt the technology to the way Bayer manufactures nylon, although the lion's share of the effort has come from them. We are looking forward to a long and fruitful supply relationship, and to making more technical advances going forward."
Nanocor was formed in August 1995 to capitalize on a patented technology that disperses nanoscale particles of chemically modified clays into plastic resins, improving strength, heat stability and barrier properties. The company currently holds seven patents on its technology, with 12 others approved or pending. In addition, Nanocor has licensed technology from Toyota
Central Research and Development, Inc., an early innovator in nanocomposite technology. Nanocor's production facility, located in Aberdeen, MS, opened earlier this year.
Nanocor's parent company, AMCOL International Corp., is a specialty chemical and mineral company that produces and markets primarily liquid-absorbing products for a wide range of industrial and consumer-related applications.
For more information: Jodi Warner, AMCOL International, 847-394-8730.