Global manufacturer of fine speciality chemicals and plastic additives Vertellus has developed an affordable and sustainable alternative to the solid state polymerisation (SSP) processes conventionally used to manufacture high-relative-viscosity (RV) nylons.

Vertellus’ plastic additive technology ZeMac^® copolymers is based on alternating ethylene and maleic anhydride groups that allow compounders to produce high-RV nylons at the targeted RV for a wide range of extrusion applications, including automotive parts, pipes and stock shapes.

Moulders of high-RV applications can use ZeMac^® copolymers to achieve improved sustainability and lower processing costs without compromising performance.

ZeMac^® copolymers technology enables the production of tailor-made RV enhancements by using virgin nylons alone or with recycled or off-spec nylons. Moreover, ZeMac^® copolymers can help formulators achieve desired tensile strength and other performance properties comparable with nylons produced using conventional high-RV nylon manufacturing processes.

Makers of flame-retardant nylons are particularly interested in using ZeMac^® copolymers technology to increase the melt strength of compounds and fibres while offsetting degradation that can occur with flame retardants. Customers are evaluating ZeMac^® copolymers as a sizing agent for flame retardants to allow better compatibility while enhancing melt strength.

Unlike traditional strong stability preservation (SSP) methods used to produce high-RV nylon with linear molecules and select chain extenders, ZeMac^® copolymers can be compounded with low-RV nylons to achieve high-RV branched nylons.

The success of such branched nylon in delivering high-RV performance is confirmed by shear thinning rheology, which may also translate into potentially lower processing costs for converter customers.

Vertellus’ marketing manager Prasad Taranekar said: “The unique chemistry of the ZeMac^® copolymers allows formulators to reduce the production cost of nylon compounds while still meeting stringent performance specifications across a breadth of industries, thus boosting both the performance and profitability of their high-RV nylons.

“As manufacturers around the globe continue to elevate their commitment to sustainable production processes, ZeMac^® copolymers technology allows formulators to integrate recyclability in the nylon compounds they manufacture.”

Vertellus will be discussing the technology and applications for ZeMac^® copolymers technology during PLASTIMAGEN^® Mexico in Mexico City, which takes place from 7 November to 10 November in stand 4211.