Polyfect Solutions is a venture capital backed spin out from Loughborough University which is commercialising technology for efficiently dispersing particles within polymers. The process can generate significant cost savings for industry and enable the economic production of new polymer composite materials.

Through the efficient dispersion of fillers in thermoplastics without the use of chemical compatibilisers, Polyfect's technology enables the design and economic manufacture of new composites. Using both conventional and nano-particulate fillers, this simple and easy to implement process allows a reduction in material use and the ability to tailor materials to specific applications.

The improved materials have led to the enhanced performance of many products, often with a reduction in costs. Conventional processes for incorporating functional fillers in plastics often achieve far from optimal results with a significant proportion of the functional material being poorly dispersed. This necessitates the use of larger quantities of filler to achieve the desired functionality of the plastic, degrading mechanical properties. Polyfect's process allows significantly less filler to be used.

Benefits of the PSL process to customers:

• Reduces need for expensive filler - lower cost plastics
• Potential to reduce carbon footprint and enhance sustainability
• Better dispersion of fillers - improved mechanical properties (tougher, stiffer, etc) 
• Allows thinner/lighter plastics to be produced - especially packaging
• Enables new classes of materials to be made using innovative fillers 

Background

Polyfect Solutions was spun-out from the University of Loughborough in July 2008 after securing investment from IPSO Ventures and the Lachesis Fund.

The technology at the centre of Polyfect Solutions was invented within the Materials Department at Loughborough University by Professor Mo Song and colleagues.