Clay nanotubes mix well in plastics.Last month saw the first production-scale trial of compounding a nanocomposite using specially treated halloysite clay nanotubes. This naturally occurring aluminosilicate Aluminosilicate minerals are minerals composed of aluminum, silicon, and oxygen. Andalusite, kyanite, and sillimanite are naturally occuring aluminosilicate minerals that have the composition Al2SiO5. is said to add strength, stiffness, and heat resistance without sacrificing ductility ductility, ability of a metal to plastically deform without breaking or fracturing, with the cohesion between the molecules remaining sufficient to hold them together (see adhesion and cohesion). Ductility is important in wire drawing and sheet stamping. and with little increase in weight. NaturalNano, Inc., Rochester, N.Y., aims to launch commercial nanotube A carbon molecule that resembles a cylinder made out of chicken wire one to two nanometers in diameter by any number of millimeters in length. Accidentally discovered by a Japanese researcher at NEC in 1990 while making Buckyballs, they have potential use in many applications. masterbatches by mid-year and to introduce a Pleximer line of ready-to-use nano-compounds in the fourth quarter. The company will also make its compounding technology available through licensing and joint-development programs. A key advantage over traditional nanoclays is that halloysite nanotubes do not need exfoliation exfoliation /ex·fo·li·a·tion/ (eks-fo?le-a´shun) 1. a falling off in scales or layers. 2. the removal of scales or flakes from the surface of the skin. 3. , which involves separating thin layers of nanoclay (like peeling an onion onion, plant of the family Liliaceae (lily family), of the same genus (Allium) as the chive (A. schoenoprasum), garlic (A. sativum), leek (A. porrum), and shallot (A. ascalonium). ) with chemicals and other processing steps. Incomplete exfoliation can result in non-uniform properties and weak spots in a nanocomposite. The recent trial reportedly demonstrated good processability of the nanotubes and confirmed the property enhancements they afford. NaturalNano has technology for inserting extended-release ingredients such as fragrances within the tubes and for metalizing nanotubes for use in electronics. Tel: (585) 214-8172 * www.naturalnano.com [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] |
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