Solvin Launches Vinyl Nanocomposite
03 December 2006
03 December 2006
Solvay’s vinyls joint venture in Europe, SolVin, is launching NanoVin, a nanocomposite combining polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and nanoparticles of clay.
NanoVin is designed for PVC paste applications, which require non-dripping and shear-thinning properties, such as bodywork in the automotive industry as well as thick coatings, such as artificial leather. According to Solvay, this specialty product displays exceptional properties in terms of plasticity, viscosity and flow.
NanoVin was developed at Solvay Research & Technology, the Group’s R&D campus in Neder-over-Heembeek (Belgium). The product is now entering into a pre-commercial phase, with a pilot production unit located in Jemeppe (Belgium).
“Research and innovation are feeding Solvay’s strategy of sustainable and profitable growth,” commented Michel Tchapian, Paste PVC Business Manager. “We succeeded in creating a smart material that opens up new commercial opportunities, thanks to our work on the combination of vinyl with nanoparticles of clay,” he said.
Chomarat has invested in a new pilot production line to develop its next generation of scrim reinforcements for the construction market. Conceived for the development of cement board and roof-waterproofing reinforcements, the machine can also develop materials for new markets.
PUGreen, a vegetable-based polyurethane resin for composites applications, is being launched by CPA and Purcom during Feiplar Composites, 6-8 November, in São Paulo, Brazil.
Porcher Industries subsidiary BGF Industries is planning to invest US$7 million to relocate its US headquarters and research and development activities from Greensboro, North Carolina, to the City of Danville and Pittsylvania County, Virginia.