PolyOne and Nanocor form alliance to make nanocomposites

CLEVELAND (Jan. 9) PolyOne Corp. and Nanocor Inc., a large supplier of nanoclays for plastics, said today they have formed an alliance to manufacture and market nanocomposites made from polyolefin, polyvinyl chloride and related polymers. PolyOne will manufacture and market nanoclay concentrates and composites, using Nanocor's products and technology, a PolyOne statement said. PolyOne will manage all aspects of the sales, marketing, and manufacturing of nanoclay concentrates and composites, with assistance from Nanocor's sales personnel. Nanocor, a wholly owned subsidiary of AMCOL International Corp., received patents for polyolefin nanocomposites in 2002. Nanocomposites are a new class of plastic compounds created by the combination of nanoclays with neat, compounded or blended polymers. The companies said the PolyOne/Nanocor alliance initially will focus on the strength and fire-resistant properties of polyolefin plastics and related polymers.