Nanoclay Compounds meet fuel emission standards.
Press Release Summary:
Designed to meet stringent barrier demands in fuel system applications, Nanoclay Compounds contain organically treated clay that separates into nm-sized platelets and disperses evenly throughout resin. Low loading levels of 2-8% increase stiffness with minimal impact on specific gravity. For food industry, compounds minimize amount of oxygen that permeates through plastic packaging material. They are suited for blow molding, injection molding, and blown film applications.
Original Press Release:
RTP Company Introduces Nanoclay Compounds With Improved Barrier Properties
WINONA, MN, USA - June 16, 2006 - Specialty compounder RTP Company announces advancements in its nanocomposite technology. RTP Company has developed new nanoclay compounds designed to meet the stringent barrier demands in fuel system applications.
"The new nanoclay compounds can provide a monolayer solution for small
engine and fuel tank manufacturers to meet the new fuel emission standards for
recreational vehicles and lawn and garden equipment," said Sam Dahman, Product
Development Engineer at RTP Company. "The nanocomposites perform exceptionally
well in these fuel tank applications due to large aspect ratio layers creating an
extremely tortuous path for diffusion."
The new fuel emission standards were set forth by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which limits emissions to 1.5 g/m2/day starting with the 2008 model year for recreational vehicles. The California Air Resource Board (CARB) also has new regulations which limit emissions to 2.5 g/m2/day starting in 2007 for small off road engines.
Nanocomposite compounds contain organically-treated clay that separates into nanometer-sized platelets and disperses evenly throughout the resin. The additive has a large aspect ratio that is key to the compound's unique properties- particularly barrier enhancement in which transmission rates can improve by 2-4 times.
The improved permeation offered by the nanoclay compounds also provides benefits to applications in the food packaging industry. Nanoclay compounds reduce the amount of oxygen through the plastic packaging material used for fresh meats or other foods while simultaneously providing greater strength. "We're currently getting four to five times reduction in the permeation rate of oxygen versus straight nylon 6 material,"
said Dahman. "That can translate to a thinner and lighter weight material for the same shelf life. It also means a longer shelf life for the same thickness."
Nanoclay compounds offer improved mechanical and thermal properties compared to neat resins. Their low loading levels (2-8%) increase stiffness with minimal impact on specific gravity. Nanoclay compounds are ideal for use in blow molding, injection molding and blown film applications.
RTP Company, headquartered in Winona, Minnesota, is a global leader in specialty compounding, and also offers masterbatches, sheet extrusion, and value products. The Company has seven manufacturing plants on three continents, plus sales representatives throughout North America, Europe, and Asia/Pacific. RTP Company's engineers develop customized thermoplastic compounds in over 60 different engineering resin systems for applications requiring color, conductivity, flame retardancy, high temperature, structural, elastomeric and wear resistant properties.
For more information, contact RTP Company at 507-454-6900 or 800-433-4787, or email
rtp@rtpcompany.com.
