Beside Bio (meaning degradable and produced of sustainable materials), the other big buzzword in the plastics industry is Nanotechnology.

Nano is dwarf in Greek. Used as a prefix, it refers to a certain extreme small size and measurement. The diameter of a human hair is about 50,000 nanometres. As tiny as it is, as hot the nanotechnology has been becoming for the last few year. For many industries, as well as for the plastics industry, it offers dramatic changes and improvements. Applying nanotechnology to plastics manufacturing can fundamentally change and improve the properties of the plastics. Potential property changes include improved strength, mechanical toughness, UV resistance and barrier thermal electrical conductivity. In other words, through nanotechnology, plastics materials are gaining more performance at decreasing cost levels. One practical example is for instance experimentation of the automotive industry where nanotechnology is applied to gain extra shock resistance for the material used for bumpers.

“Toughness isn’t the only benefit to nanotechnology. According to a recent report on nanoscale science by the Committee on Technology, National Science and Technology Council, many plastic applications currently in use can be reduced further in size while improving efficiency. "Memory chips the size of a postage stamp, yet capable of holding the data equivalent to 25 DVDs, is on the horizon through the use of nanotechnology," the report said. "Similarly, solar panels that can be manufactured at a much lower cost then they currently are may be able to be produced with nanotechnology."

Plastic nanotubes are also being created with nanotechnology. These nanocomposites are generally 50 to 150 nanometres in diameter and are used to conduct electricity. While these nanotubes have the current carrying capacity of copper, they’re extremely flexible, lightweight and durable. This technology is expected to be able to lead to the creation of conductive paints, caulks, coatings, sealant, fibers and adhesives. The thick sheets and tubes are also considered to be potentially valuable to the automotive, aerospace and chemical industries.
Finally, special nanocomposite foams have already been created. Over time, these foams will likely replace solid plastic because they’re much lighter, yet look the same as solid plastics. Potential uses for foam nanocomposites include coffee cups, fast food containers, home insulation, carpet padding, disposable diapers, seat cushions and packaging material.”

Well, very exciting times, and we are looking forward to the time when our customers will start processing plastics nanocomposite materials with one of our blown film extruders and cast film extruder lines.

Excerpt taken from Daily News Monday, August 31, 2009 Can Plastics.com