PolyOne, Zyvex Performance Materials to jointly develop CNT thermoplastic composites

12-Mar-09

PolyOne Corporation, a provider of specialized polymer materials, and Zyvex Performance Materials, a recognized worldwide leader in carbon nanotube-enhanced applications, announced a joint development agreement to provide carbon nanotube-filled polymer materials for structural and electrically conductive applications. PolyOne will compound the functionalized nanotubes with a variety of high-performance engineering thermoplastics, and will market and sell the compounds through its global commercial teams. Zyvex Performance Materials will provide the chemistry and carbon-nanotube functionalization necessary to be compatible with select high-end thermoplastics. PolyOne will supply the compounding technology, product development and process optimization to take full advantage of the nanotubes and chemistry. Included in the joint development is Stratek Plastic Ltd., an advanced process development company that will leverage its Tek-Mix® blending technology to optimize nanotube dispersion aimed at maximizing material performance. When carbon nanotubes are treated and processed for optimum dispersion and bonding, the resulting lightweight compounds gain strength and conductivity. These improvements will enable production of complex, structural designs with added EMI/RFI shielding, thermal conductivity, and anti-static capabilities.