RadiciGroup launches innovative range of specialty nylons

For the extrusion market, the High Performance Plastics Division of RadiciGroup has specifically developed new specialty polyamide materials.

To date, the Radilon product range includes not only high-tech polyamides with better high-temperature resistance (Radilon A HHR, Radilon XTreme) and reinforced metal-replacement materials (Radilon A RW, Radilon S URV with high flowability), but also long-chain nylons.

Among them are the Radilon D series based on PA6.10, made from renewable resources. The Radilon DT series based on PA6.12 and the RADILON CD series of copolymer PA6.10/6.6 are all derived from purely natural bio-based materials. These polyamides have special chemical and physical properties and better performance, meeting the needs of different end customers.

So in which extrusion fields can these special products be applied?

With good flexibility, resilience and chemical resistance, PA6.12 is used in the personal care industry (such as toothbrush filaments or mascara brush filaments). With appropriate modification technology, it can also be applied in the pipe field (gasoline pipes, oil and gas and air pipes). Compared with traditional polyamides (PA6/PA66), PA6.12 not only offers chemical resistance and better mechanical properties, but crucially ensures product transparency.

PA6.10 is often used in industrial monofilament products, such as paper-making machines (PMC). Its unique chemical resistance and flexibility improve product durability. In addition, thanks to better burst resistance, it can be used in the production of pipes for gasoline transmission.

Copolymers 6.10 and 6.6 are ideal materials for packaging, film and wrapping film, and can also be used in the food industry where high transparency, thermoforming and water vapor resistance are required.

Based on this new technology, Radici can use this polymer to synthesize metal-detectable materials, which can be used to manufacture brushes used on cleaning equipment in the food industry. With this material, plastic residues on food can be easily detected and removed, effectively ensuring food safety and health. At the same time, it also demonstrates that RadiciGroup is an innovative company able to continuously meet customers' latest needs.

Introducing this new product range, Mr. Enrico Simonato, Extrusion Market Manager of RadiciGroup's High Performance Plastics Division, said that the group's synergistic vertically integrated management of the polyamide chain enables it to continuously achieve diversified production, and that the Novara chemical plant is a core partner in the group's product R&D, able to develop diversified products to meet customers' different needs.

At present, PA11 and PA12 can basically meet the needs of the extrusion market, ensuring good chemical resistance, good flexibility, semi-transparency and low water absorption, but at relatively high cost. RadiciGroup can offer a more cost-effective choice — LCPA materials — ensuring good product performance while delivering more beneficial mechanical properties and high-temperature resistance (high melting point); for products that work at high temperatures for long periods or come into contact with high-temperature components, high-temperature resistance is crucial.

With 35 years of experience in high-tech polyamide production and diversified formulations, RadiciGroup can produce both traditional and highly innovative products.