Nucleating Agent Speeds Up Crystallization in Nylons

Massachusetts-based CAI Performance Additives has announced the North American launch of a new nylon nucleator.  ST-NA22D reportedly disperses uniformly to induce crystalline arrangement of the polymer molecular chains and speed up crystallization for improved processing. So far, the nucleating agent has been shown to have superior performance in nylons 6, 66, 11, and 12 applications in both unfilled and reinforced versions, such as glass fiber. The additive is produced by China’s Starbetter Chemical Materials, for which CAI is the sole distributor in North America, as previously reported.

This special nucleating agent is highly effective at surprisingly low doses, recommended at just 0.05-0.3%, according to CEO Richard Marshall. “We pride ourselves in selling only specialty additives. Performance additives like ours can have an enormous impact on the final product even in small doses. Our nylon compounding customers love the shorter mold cycle times, but also the improved dimensional stability, hardness and reduced risk of part shrinkage.”