Rhodia Polyamide introduces TECHNYL® SI a ‘Super-Impact’ Polyamide Range at Chinaplas 2008

Shanghai, China – April 16, 2008 – Rhodia Polyamide announces the introduction of TECHNYL® SI (Super-Impact), a new range of polyamides that balance exceptional impact resistance with good stiffness. Rhodia Polyamide will display this innovation in Hall W3, stand H01 at Chinaplas which will take place in 17 - 20 April.

The high mechanical properties of impact modified polyamides bring benefits to applications as diverse as power tools or sports articles. Characteristics such as high impact, toughness and good surface appearance are key value drivers.

Offering an unequalled impact resistance/stiffness balance, TECHNYL® SI range is designed to provide better mechanical properties in high abuse environments. TECHNYL® SI is a new line of ‘super impact’ and toughened polyamide, designed to fulfil increasing OEMs’ needs for higher impact performance without compromising stiffness. These materials have been conceived to push the limits in impact/stiffness balance and create new opportunities for polyamide especially in applications such as sporting goods, power tools, machine components and others.

In the specific case of power tools, polyamides are used in housings where in combination with part designs they play a critical role in meeting structural and protective criteria.

Stiffness brings better structural characteristics to parts and improves screw retention, eliminating the need for inserts and resulting in ease of assembly, higher productivity and lower overall cost.

When selecting from the array of conventional high impact polyamides, power tool manufacturers often have to compromise in respect of either high impact resistance or stiffness. In most cases, highly toughened materials lack stiffness. TECHNYL® SI is produced using an innovative patented technology which allows highly efficient impact modification resulting in significant improvements in the impact/stiffness balance of polyamide compounds.

“The superior impact/stiffness balance of TECHNYL® SI pushes the limits and allows manufacturers to benefit from formulations that show a significantly higher level of impact performance without reducing stiffness or other mechanical properties,“ said Robert Monti, CIG (Consumer and Industrial Goods) and E&E (Electric and Electronics) Marketing Manager for Rhodia Polyamide’s Engineering Plastics.

One leading power tool manufacturer has evaluated two formulations of TECHNYL® SI in a highly demanding application, to test performance and processing. The impact modified TECHNYL® SI used in this trial not only outperformed the existing application material in respect of impact resistance but also showed improved stiffness, high dimensional stability as well as good surface appearance.

“Moreover, the higher stiffness of TECHNYL® SI can allow designers to lower part weight by reducing wall thickness, without any loss of structural and impact performance,” Monti added.

Reader enquiries

Rhodia Polyamide
Avenue Ramboz
F-69192 Saint-Fons Cedex
France
+33 4 72 89 27 53
anne-elisabeth.mourey@​eu.rhodia.com
www.eu.rhodia.com

---

Notes for editors

Rhodia Polyamide is Rhodia's fully integrated enterprise focusing on Polyamide 6.6. Its strategy rests on three pillars: a high worldwide competitiveness of intermediates & polymers along with strong development of the industrial footprint in fast growing regions; the strengthening of engineering plastics as a growth engine; and a focus on Asia and Brazil as priority regions for expansion beyond our European base. In South America, Rhodia Polyamide also holds strong positions in phenol and adiponitrile route, industrial yarns and fibers.

For further details about Rhodia Polyamide visit the website at www.rhodia-polyamide.com.

Rhodia is an international chemical company resolutely committed to sustainable development. Leader in its businesses, the Group aims to improve its customers’ performance through the pursuit of operational excellence and its ability to innovate. Structured around six Enterprises, Rhodia is the partner of major players in the automotive, tire, electronics, perfume, health & beauty and home care markets. The Group employs around 15,500 people worldwide and generated sales of €5.1 billion in 2007. Rhodia is listed on Euronext Paris.

For further details about the Group, visit Rhodia’s website at: www.rhodia.com.