BYK Additives (byk.com) has launched the BYK-MAX CT 4275, a novel, specially developed additive that can be used in a wide variety of polyamides - for example in the automotive industry. The optimized surface treatment and the unique morphology of the silicate provide improved dispersion and incorporation into the thermoplastic matrix while ensuring near-perfect exfoliation in polar systems.

The highly reinforcing mechanism of BYK-MAX CT 4275 improves, among other things, flexural modulus, yield strength, tensile strength and heat deflection temperature, while ensuring excellent flow behavior of the composite. This makes it possible to form thinner components and thereby reduce weight.

In mineral and glass fiber-filled thermoplastic composites, the additive enables a lower total content of mineral and glass fibers without comprising the mechanical properties; it is therefore the ideal solution for lightweight construction applications, for example in the automotive sector. In addition, BYK-MAX CT 4275 will also have a positive effect on surface properties, scratch resistance and flow behavior.

The new additive does affect the density of the compound, thus offering weight reduction. It is highly miscible and requires no special processing steps.