Appliance Design - August 2007 - (Page 28)

NANO IS NOW PLASTICS Nanocomposites from PolyOne are being used in a variety of applications. Nanocomposites already on the job. by larry adams 28 applianceDESIGN August 2007 t’s hard to read anything these days without coming across a reference to nanotechnology. What some designers may not realize is that some nanotech products have already made it out of the lab and into the field. In the realm of engineered materials, plastics enhanced with nanometer-sized particles are now available that offer designers a range of new options and benefits such as optical clarity, strength, stiffness, thermal stability, reduced permeability, and flame retardancy. These nanocomposites, as the plastics are known, are loaded with small amounts of nano-sized particles of inorganic materials that are homogenously dispersed in the polymer matrix. By evenly dispersing the particles throughout the polymer matrix, a greater interfacial area is created between the polymer and particles. It is this interfacial area that improves mechanical properties. Depending on the materials used, different, and multiple, properties can be obtained. This mix-and-match, a la carte approach to selecting desired qualities is what often sets nanocomposites apart from standard plastic products. “When multiple attributes are needed, that is when nano materials are the right choice. Otherwise it might be better to I use standard technology,” says David Jarus, R&D manager for PolyOne Corp, which offers both nano and standard materials. The company offers a range of Nanoblend compounds that are lighter, stiffer and tougher than standard products. Additional properties can be blended into the base material such as fire retardance and chemical resistance. Nanocomposites are generally considered to more easily flow and mold, and process faster. PolyOne’s Nanoblends, for instance, which have a low specific gravity of 0.9 to 0.96, flow easily for thin-wall parts and often cool faster than traditional materials. RTP Co., Winona, Minn., also has a range of nanocomposites. Testing of its recently released compounds containing nanoclays demonstrated that they can cycle 25 percent faster in molding machines than many other standard materials. The nano-based materials can come in many forms. Some recipes have been used for years such as adding nanosilver to plastics to inhibit microbial growth. But, the marketplace is set to explode with new nanocomposite technologies as applications are found for blends containing nanoclays and nanotubes. Nandan Rao, technology director for DuPont Performance Materials, says nanowww.applianceDESIGN.com http://www.appliancedesign.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Appliance Design - August 2007

Contents Editorial Shipments/Forecasts News Watch A Reed Switch is Simople, yet Versatile, and Designers are Finding New Uses for this Time-Tested Technology A Novel Actuation and Sensing Technology can Register a Light Touch, but Resist Blows from a Hammer Tracing the Source of Noise is Made Easier with Noise Source Identification Methods Appliance Noise can be Annoying, but Designers have Many Material Choices to Help Rein in the Racket Nanocomposites are No Longer a Technology for the Future. These Plastic Materials are Already on the Job A New High-Strength, Low-Density Glass-Microsphere Additive can Improve Plastic Part and Molding Performance A New Electromagnetic Weld/Bonding Process Helps Ensure Long-Term Integrity of Joints in Plastic Parts Snap-Based Technology Eases Installation and Makes Products More Serviceable Two-Part Silicone Adhesives Provide a Rapid-Cure Alternative to Traditional One-Part Silicones Classified DesignMart Advertiser’s Index Association Report: GAMA

Appliance Design - August 2007

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