Return to New Technology and Trends | Home

NANOCOMPOSITES 1999 Polymer Technology for the Next Century - A multi-client study

Nanocomposites are an emerging class of mineral-filled plastics that contain relatively
small amounts (< 10%) of nanometer-sized clay particles. These minerals significantly
enhance the mechanical and thermal properties of the base resin, as well as improve
barrier performance and flame retardancy. All of these performance benefits are available
without increasing the density or reducing light transmission properties of the base polymer.
First developed by Toyota 10 years ago, nanocomposites are just becoming viable commercial
products. Most R&D is focused on automotive parts and packaging, although a diverse
range of disposable and durable applications are under development.

The current world market for nanocomposites is relatively small, although recent
developmental breakthroughs and pending commercial programs are expected to fuel
growth for this emerging class of modified polymers. Some of these commercial applications
have been covered in recent Plastics Daily News articles. The report from Principia Partners
provides a current and future perspective on the market for nanocomposites
considering such key issues as:·

• State of commercial readiness·
• Historical/current/emerging developments·
• Advantages/limitations against incumbent materials·
• Targeted markets/applications·
• Likely market penetration of existing plastics

Nanocomposites can potentially be produced using any thermoplastic or thermoset
resin. This program will address the opportunities for each resin as a nanocomposite
matrix:

Polymers to Be Covered

• Commodity thermoplastics: PE, PP, PVC, PS
• Intermediate thermoplastics: Acrylics, PET, SAN
• Engineering resins: ABS, PA, PBT, PET, PC, POM
• High performance polymers: Fluoropolymers, PEI, PPS
• Rigid thermosets: Epoxies, polyester, urea, urethanes
  TPEs: COPE, COPA, SBC, TPO, TPU
• Others, as identified

Markets to Be Covered

• AppliancesAutomotive
• Fuel system components, including fuel tanks
• Exterior parts (door and rear quarter panels)
• Interior parts (consoles, door panels, IPs, pillars)
• Under hood components
• Building & Construction
• Electrical/Electronic
• Lawn & Garden/Power Tools
• Packaging
  • Containers
  • Film (food and electronics packaging)
• Others, as identified

Results of the report provides...·

• Up-to-date evaluation of available technologies·
• Detailed assessment of market opportunities·
• Analysis of impact on market for polymers & compounds·
• Strategic insights into industry direction·

The report is priced at US $9000.00. If you are interested in more information
on this report contact Roger Jones at 610-543-9432 or e-mail rjones@franklinpolymers.com