"PolyOne brings great process expertise and a dimension of scale that is critical to establish nanocomposites in this large-volume market," said Peter Maul, president of Nanocor, which is a subsidiary of AMCOL International.
Incorporating nanoclays into polymers can improve stiffness, fire resistance and gas barrier properties at lower weight than traditional additives. The PolyOne/Nanocor alliance will initially focus on the strength and fire-resistant properties of polyolefin plastics and polymers such as EVA, TPE, EPDM and nitriles.
The companies say that lighter plastics are attractive in many consumer areas, including automotive parts, electronic components, appliances and office furniture. Nanocor will continue to supply a limited number of customers with nanoclay concentrates on a direct basis.