27 November 2006 – Solvin, the joint venture between Solvay and BASF, has launched NanoVin, a nanocomposite combining PVC and nanoparticles of clay.
The company says NanoVin “displays exceptional properties in terms of plasticity, viscosity and flow”.
The material is suitable for PVC paste applications, which require non-dripping and shear-thinning properties. Solvin said these applications include bodywork in the automotive industry as well as so-called thick coatings, such as artificial leather.
Developed at Solvay Research & Technology in Neder-over-Heembeek, Belgium, the product is now entering into a pre-commercial phase, with a pilot production unit located in Jemeppe, Belgium.
Paste PVC business manager Michel Tchapian paid tribute to Solvay’s research and innovation, adding "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".
EPN and PRW are running their Nanocomposites conference, 14-15 March 2007, and Nanotubes conference, 16 March 2007, both in Brussels, Belgium.
