TAINAN, Taiwan, February 18, 2006 – Nanopolymer Composite Company (NCC) announces full-scale commercial production of nano-PA6 resins in their newly completed production facility in Tainan, Taiwan. NCC was founded in late 2004 in Tainan Science Park, a special high-tech industrial area in Taiwan. Currently, NCC operates two production lines with an annual capacity of 13,000 metric tons. With the completion of a planned third production line, its annual capacity will reach 23,000 metric tons.
NCC’s nano PA6 contains nanoclay. It chose the in-situ production process to fully utilize the nanoclay potential since this process achieves maximum nanoclay dispersion. Nanocor, Inc., a leader in clay nanocomposite technology, has worked closely with NCC to optimize the production process. Mr. Philip Chen, President of NCC said, “Nanocor is one of the most important partners in our nano-PA6 product development, from nanoclay products to product evaluation and development.”
NCC’s nano-PA6 resins are designed for engineering and flexible film packaging applications. Products are sold under the Cress-Alon® trademark and distributed worldwide exclusively by Cresset Powers Ltd. “Cress-Alon nano-PA6 is the first fully commercialized nanoplastic,” Mr. Orrin Adis, President of Cresset Powers, noted. “It features excellent property enhancement and provides economical benefits for many commercial applications. Our current capacity will enable us to serve a wide variety of customers, from film manufacturers to compounders.”
“The operation scale of NCC is very significant for the plastic industry to move the nanoplastic technology from research and development to commercial applications,” added Larry Washow, President and CEO of AMCOL International Corp., the parent company of Nanocor.
Tie Lan, General Manger of Nanocor commented, “We are very pleased to work with NCC in processing and product development. Nano-PA6 can be used as a feedstock for many applications. It can also be used as a starting material for advanced plastics, such as lightweight engineering plastics and fire retardant compounds.”
Nanocor was formed in August 1995 to capitalize on a patented technology that disperses nanoscale particles of chemically modified clays into plastic resins, improving mechanical, thermal and barrier properties. Nanocor sells its Nanomer® products to the packaging, transportation, industrial and performance coatings markets.
Nanocor's parent company, AMCOL International Corp., produces and markets specialty mineral products used for industrial, environmental and consumer-related applications. The company operates in three industry segments, minerals, environmental and transportation. AMCOL's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "ACO." The company's web site is www.amcol.com.
For more detailed information, please visit company websites:
www.nanopolymer.com.tw
www.nanocor.com
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