An innovative nanomaterial when added to a polymer increases the strength, durability and flexibility of nylon and other polymer-based products has been commercially introduced by NaturalNano Inc., a developer of advanced nanomaterials and additive technologies. The material, Pleximer-N, the newest entrant in the US$40 billion polymer composite industry, has been developed for a wide range of nylon and polymer-based products in a variety of markets. A turn-key additive, the material has applications in a diverse range of both consumer and industrial markets. The material has commercial potential for applications such as increasing the durability of a football helmet, enhancing the aesthetics of fabrics or creating more flexible body panels in cars to reduce vehicle damage and provide increased levels of driver safety. Durability, strength and flexibility can be increased by incorporating halloysite in polymer-based products. It can also be used in applications for surface treatments that require the highest level of surface quality, equal to the smooth finish on a car. This eliminates the need for additional coating and therefore would provide cost savings for the manufacturers. Pleximer-N has passed rigorous, full-scale manufacturing testing by outside third parties for several industry applications. Through innovative manufacturing processes and patented technologies, Pelximer-N can be tailored to customers' specific need.
Clay-based nanocomposites will represent 47% of the market for plastics nanocomposites by the year 2010. NaturalNano has identified five specific sectors of this fast-growing market that it plans to focus on in the coming year:
* Automotive (lighter parts to allow for increased transportation loads)
* Military (make vehicles lighter, so they will be cheaper to transport)
* Packaging (stronger or thinner, e.g., storage bags, food packaging)
* Aerospace
* Electronics
Future opportunities lie in the ability to fill halloysite nanotubes with active ingredients, such as fragrances, colorants, antioxidants, biocides, antifungal agents, pesticides, dyes, UV protectants, additives for cosmetics, and medical and pharmaceutical device additives and coatings. The nanotube structure also makes possible extended release over long periods of time and under harsh conditions.