CETCO, a GCL producer and geosynthetica underwriter, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AMCOL International. Another AMCOL subsidiary, Nanocor, specializes in the application of highly purified bentonites (“nanoclays”) into plastics, forming nanocomposites with unique physical properties such as increased strength/modulus, improved flame retardency, and increased gas barrier properties. Nanocor has formed technical marketing alliances with Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company (barrier products) and PolyOne (polyolefins) in order to commercialize and support the development of improved finished products incorporating these nanoclays.

Of course, the possibility exists for nanotechnology to enter the geosynthetics industry also. Geomembranes with significantly improved diffusion characteristics, higher strength geogrids, high-compression geonets, and even stronger plastic pipe products are possible with nanotechnology. The technical benefits are indeed significant; the question is whether the cost-driven geosynthetics marketplace can support the R&D effort that would be needed to introduce these “next-generation” products.

In today’s economic climate, CETCO has been unsuccessful in attracting the interest of other geosynthetics companies who might be interested in this value proposition. But the technology is ready; someday, perhaps, the market will be ready also.

For more information regarding nanocomposites, please read the article Nanocomposites , authored by Richard Stewart, found in the May 2004 issue of Plastics Engineering.

In the July 2004 issue of Better Roads, there is an article authored by Tom Kuennen, Small Science Will Bring Big Changes To Roads, which discusses the possibilities of nanotechnology and transportation infrastructure.

Also, you may try investigating Polymer-Clay Nanocomposites, edited by T. J. Pinnavaia and G. W. Beall and the recently published book Clay-Containing Polymeric Nanocomposites, authored by L. A. Utracki (Rapra Technology).

Please visit the Institute of Nanotechnology for further reading and education.

 

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR