Nanotechnology to improve materials

AIMPLAS is a reference centre for nanomaterials. We have more than 15 years of experience in this area and have completed more than 100 projects in conjunction with many companies.

Nanotechnology is changing our world. Nanoparticles modify the behaviour of a traditional material by providing it with characteristics that make it attractive for applications which were once unthinkable.

In the case of plastics, the nanoparticles most frequently used at industrial level are those based on silicon dioxide, metals and their oxides, clays and dendrimers, as well as carbon-based nanoparticles (graphene and carbon nanotubes).

The list of properties that can be obtained is almost endless, but broadly speaking, they can be divided into the following categories:

Metallization
Electrical conductivity
Thermal conductivity
Electromagnetic radiation susceptors
Mechanical properties

Smart polymers
Flame retardancy
Surface properties
Gas-barrier active materials

What does AIMPLAS do?

Synthesis of nanoparticles

In AIMPLAS, we synthesize nanoparticles to obtain different properties which are used in the medical, pharmaceutical, food, automotive, aeronautics, cosmetics, energy, footwear, paper, photographic, textile, packaging and construction industries, to name just a few.

We can also synthesize these nanoparticles to make them biodegradable so that they degrade once their function is over.

Functionalization of nanoparticles

In addition to synthesizing these materials at AIMPLAS, we functionalize them, so they can react to functional groups of other materials and anchor to or become compatible with the polymeric matrix. Moreover, these nanoparticles can act as carriers of other substances that are subsequently released and interact with the environment in which they are found.

Dispersion of nanoparticles

Dispersion is another key point in the subsequent performance and activity of nanoparticles since inefficient dispersion prevents them from acting efficiently. We carry out studies to ensure that these particles are perfectly dispersed in the corresponding material for subsequent processing either by extrusion or by injection. Dispersion is carried out using specific equipment which can be configured to suit the product to be developed.