Nilit signed a joint research and development agreement with Nanocor, Inc.

Published on 2/29/2004, by Fabio Kahn

Nilit Ltd. signed a joint research and development agreement with Nanocor, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of AMCOL International Corp. (NYSE: ACO) for the development of a new family of polyamide 66 polymers. The target is to develop specialty polymers combining Nanocor's patented nanocomposite technology and Nilit's nylon technology.

Under the alliance, Nanocor will supply its nanoclays. Nilit in turn will incorporate the nanoclays into its nylon 66 polymerization, using its proprietary technology. Marketing and sales of the new polymers will be done by Nilit.

Fabio Kahn, Director of the Plastics Division of Nilit, said, "we are very excited about the opportunities of combining the technologies of two of the leading companies in their respective industries. Our plans call for the start of commercialization of the combined technology within 12-24 months."

Plastics using nanocomposites are targeted at a variety of consumer and industrial products. Applications are developing rapidly and include barrier properties for films, flame retardant plastics, and innovative thermal and structural properties. These benefits are already making important contributions to consumer packaging, especially food and beverages, components for the automotive and transportation industries, electronics, protective coatings and flame resistant construction materials. For more information can be found on Nilit's website .