Rhodia has created a new PA 6.6-based technology that bridges the gap between standard polyamide and more costly high performance plastics or metal solutions

Shanghai, China – April 16, 2008– Using Chinaplas 2008 as its launch pad Rhodia will introduce TECHNYL STAR™ AFX, an innovative PA 6.6-based technology combining superior flowability together with a currently unmet level of reinforcement. In addition to unequalled stiffness and temperature resistance, this innovative technology, based on novel PA 6.6 based chemistry, offers incomparable processability. This innovation broadens the range of applications for which replacement of costly polymer or metal solutions with polyamide 6.6 becomes possible. In April 17 – 20, 2008 Rhodia will display its innovation on Chinaplas (The 22nd International Exhibition on Plastics and Rubber Industries).

TECHNYL STAR™ AFX will soon become the market’s reference for highly filled polyamides due to superior flowability, high levels of reinforcement, up to 60%, can be reached without compromising the excellent processing behaviour for which PA6.6 compounds are well-known.

This advance has been made possible through a patented polymerisation breakthrough technology. The TECHNYL STAR™ AFX range offers a level of performance that challenges costly high performance specialty polyamides such as polyphtalamides, polyamide 4.6 or polyarylamides.

TECHNYL STAR™ AFX is the perfect ‘fit for purpose’ solution to very demanding applications requiring high stiffness, strength and toughness, combined with high dimensional stability and the long-term retention of properties over a wide temperature range and in humid environments.

In comparison with other high performance plastics, and apart from its flowability, TECHNYL STAR™ AFX offers the intrinsic processing superiority of PA 6.6, such as very fast crystallisation resulting in short cycle times and superior surface finish.

Both large and complex parts, and those with thin walls and ribs, will benefit from the very high fluidity of the melt, which offers longer flow lengths, easier cavity filling (+50% compared to standard PA6.6) and superior surface finish.

The better flowability of the TECHNYL STAR™ AFX melt, compared to standard PA66 compounds, also results in much better part mechanical performance due to excellent injection moulding weld- line quality (+70% of the tensile strength at weld line) and less moulded-in stress. Superior flowability also provides for a reduction of in-mould deposits, lower mould wear resulting in lower maintenance cost and longer tool life, and therefore lower amortization cost of the tool.

Thanks to its very high level of performance, including the intrinsic advantages of PA 6.6 in temperature resistance and processing, TECHNYL STAR™ AFX is the perfect solution for metal replacement, especially aluminium and metallic alloys

Applications examples

TECHNYL STAR™ AFX will make outstanding-performance parts in a wide variety of applications in the automotive sector, as well as for the consumer and industrial goods markets. Offering high stiffness and creep resistance, it is perfectly adapted to the parts designed to support high loads that are traditionally made with metal. These include rear view mirror supports, gear components, wiper levers and structural parts for seat components.

Moreover, machine components requiring high stiffness, high dimensional stability and long-term durability in contact with oils and greases, will also benefit from the outstanding performance and processing advantages of TECHNYL STAR™ AFX. Typically, these are applications such as motor parts, high pressure hydrocleaner components, cable chains, bearing cages and pulleys.

Furthermore, because of its exceptional physical behaviour in high temperature environments, TECHNYL STAR™ AFX is well suited for applications in contact with hot air such as electric bobbin housings, electric motor housings and under-the-hood mechanical parts.

According to Vincent Lajotte, Rhodia’s Engineering Plastics Marketing Director: “TECHNYL STAR™ AFX offers a very competitive replacement solution for metals and high performance plastics. It brings outstanding processing behaviour resulting in very fast cycle times and a wide degree of design freedom. TECHNYL STAR™ AFX will soon become the market’s reference for highly filled polyamides,” he said.

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

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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.