®

ACRYLIC BLOCK COPOLYMERS

SELF-ASSEMBLING
NANOTECHNOLOGY

Nanostrength® allows you to develop unique nanostructured materials:

• High impact thermoplastics and thermosets with no compromise to thermal stability,
modulus, transparency and chemical resistance.
• High performance adhesives.
• Highly reliable toughened advanced composites and printed wiring boards.
• Innovative polymer blends, filled materials and compounds.
• High performance rubbers and thermoplastic elastomers.
• Provides an environmentally and user friendly process for producing uncured epoxy
films, fibers, powders and foam.
A new class of triblock copolymers based on Arkema's Commercial MAM Grades
unique (meth)acrylate anionic and controlled radical
polymerization chemistry and technology, Nanos- M51 Low MW, lowest viscosity
trength® block copolymers, are currently available in
two versions, each consisting of three blocks. One is an
SBM copolymer of polystyrene, 1,4-polybutadiene and M52 Medium MW, low viscosity
syndiotactic poly(methyl methacrylate). The other is a
symetric MAM copolymer with two poly(methyl meth-
High MW, best toughening with PMMA friendly
acrylate) blocks surrounding a center block of M53
crosslinking agents (Jeffamine, MDEA)
poly(butyl acrylate).
The nanostructuration is induced by strong repulsion Functionalized MAM, best toughening with PMMA
M52N
between the side and middle blocks. It is primarily unfriendly crosslinking agents (DICY, DDS )
governed by thermodynamics and is independent of
processing conditions.

MAM

Key Benefits
PMMA PBuA PMMA
• Maintenance of key properties
- Modulus
MAM are polymerized - Tg
using a new patented CRP - Transparency
technology based on its - Chemical resistance
nitroxide controlling agent, • Toughening
BlocBuilder®. These highly - Impact and fatigue resistance
polar acrylic block copoly- - Crack propagation
Example of DGEBA+DDS system with
mers have been specifically - Lap shear
a MAM block copolymer (TEM) designed for their ease of • Compatibilization and filler dispersion
dissolution in epoxy resins. In particular, Arkema CRP - New alloys with specific properties
technology allow to introduce functional comonomers - Conductive materials
in the PMMA block to enhance their miscibility with a
wide range of thermoset systems for a perfect control
of the structuration in a given thermoset system.

PABu

PMMA

PMMA/Epoxy
Properties in DGEBA Epoxy Systems

Hardener: Dicyandiamide (DICY)

Recommended Nanostrength® Grade: M52N
M52N CTBN
Loading Level K1C Tg K1C Tg
0% 0.88 148.1 0.88 148.1
2.5% 1.32 146.4 1.03 TBD
5% 1.64 144.2 1.32 139.1
10% 1.82 135.4 1.62 129.2
®
Same toughening achieved with 50% additive loading of Nanostrength vs CTBN (used in adduct form)
For similar toughening levels, major improvement in Tg with Nanostrength®

Hardener: Jeffamine T403

Recommended Nanostrength® Grades: M53 (M51 or M52 if viscosity limitations)
M53 CTBN
Loading Level K1C G1C Tg K1C G1C Tg
0% 0.76 183 92 0.76 183 92
2.5% 1.66 1873 92
5% 1.71 1933 92
7.5% 1.95 2348 93
10% 2.78 3437 97 1.98 1640 85

Excellent improvements in toughening and Tg compared to neat resin and CTBN (used in adduct form)
Similar toughening achieved with 50-75% additive loading of Nanostrength® vs CTBN

Hardener: M-DEA Hardener: DDS

Recommended Nanostrength® Grades: M53 Recommended Nanostrength® Grades: M52N

M53 M52N
Loading Level K1C G1C Tg Loading Level K1C G1C Tg
0% 0.74 258 170 0% 0.9 283 229
10% 1.01 530 168 10% 1.08 428 227

Good toughening and thermal properties in high Tg epoxy systems Tg given in ˚C

K1C given in MPA * m1/2
G1C given in J/m2

TBD - To be determined - Testing underway

 Arkema Inc. is committed to the American Chemistry Council’s
Responsible Care® and Product Stewardship initiatives.

V i s i t u s at
w w w . n a n o s t r e n g t h . c o m

1 - 8 0 0 - 3 3 1 - 7 6 5 4

For more information:

Robert Barsotti, Ph.D.
North American Nanostrength® Contact
robert.barsotti@arkema.com
610-878-6028

IMPORTANT: The statements, technical information and recommendations contained herein are believed to be accurate as of the date hereof. Since the conditions and methods of use of the product and of
the information referred to herein are beyond our control, Arkema expressly disclaims any and all liability as to any results obtained or arising from any use of the product or reliance on such information;
NO WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE, WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR ANY OTHER WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, IS MADE CONCERNING THE GOODS DESCRIBED OR THE
INFORMATION PROVIDED HEREIN. The information provided herein relates only to the specific product designated and may not be applicable when such product is used in combination with other materials
or in any process. The user should thoroughly test any application before commercialization. Nothing contained herein constitutes a license to practice under any patent and it should not be construed as
an inducement to infringe any patent and the user is advised to take appropriate steps to be sure that any proposed use of the product will not result in patent infringement.

Before handling this material, read and understand the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for additional information on personal protective equipment and for safety, health and environmental information.

For environmental, safety and toxicological information, contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-331-7654 to request a Material Safety Data Sheet or visit our web site at www.nanostrength.com.

© 2008 Arkema Inc. All rights reserved.

Nanostrength® is a registered trademark of Arkema Inc.
Responsible Care® is a registered trademark of the American Chemistry Council Inc.

Arkema Inc.
2000 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
U.S.A.
Tel.: 800-331-7654
www.Arkema-Inc.com www.nanostrength.com