Nano imaging device improves dispersion quality

New York – Flow Polymers, a US rubber chemicals company, is among the early adopters of a new laboratory imaging technology for its work in improving the performance and ease-of-use of its chemical dispersions.

Described by developer Nanotronics as a "radical departure" from traditional lab instruments, the nSPEC 3D computer-controlled microscope is said to allow sophisticated imaging that enables users to manipulate materials quickly and efficiently.

Cleveland, Ohio-based Flow Polymers manufactures proprietary and custom chemical dispersions, process aids and homogenising agents for tire, automotive, industrial products, wire and cable and plastics markets.

Flow Polymers has produced additives and rubber chemical dispersions to improve mix quality and compound properties for three decades, said Michael Ivany its CEO – commenting in a Nanotronics press release.

“Until now we have not been able to identify an instrument that could adequately quantify the quality of mix,” said Ivany. “The new instrument, he said, has “the potential to help the industry optimise product performance, service life and uniformity.

Nanotronics unveiled the technology at the American Chemical Society 2014 International Elastomer Conference, 14-16 Oct in Nashville, Tennessee.

The new device, it said, employs high-quality optical lenses with advanced computer pattern recognition algorithms, custom 3D-printed hardware, and artificial intelligence to capture nanoscale 3D images.

“Our solution will allow a host of industries, including industrial materials, semiconductors, and even biopharmaceuticals, to access sophisticated imaging that can improve their ability to produce and manipulate advanced materials quickly and efficiently,” claimed Nanotronics CEO Matthew Putman.