A reconsideration of materials technology is vital if we are to begin to get serious about the environment

(13/04/2009)

When people think of environmental awareness, they tend to think of fuel consumption and carbon emissions. But our concerns shouldn’t stop there. “The materials used in manufacturing and shipping impact everything from depletion of natural resources, to being smarter about recycling and fuel consumption,” says Wayne Rodrigue, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Texas-based Exousia Advanced Materials. “A reconsideration of materials technology is vital if we are to begin to get serious about the environment.”

Exousia is creator of two core advanced polymer materials, RPA™ Resin and VISTAMER® engineered particles, that are used in an array of products including proprietary resins, additives, industrial coatings, and structural materials used in the manufacturing and construction industries.

“RPA Resin is an eco-friendly alternative for the transportation and plastics industry,” explains Mr. Rodrigue. A proprietary resin that bonds rubber and plastic, RPA overcomes problems of poor strength and performance, provides a degree of rubber-plastic compatibility not previously achieved, and results in highly improved tensile strength and elongation capability. RPA solutions can be developed to replace wood, nylon, fiberglass, Luan, and other natural and plastic materials across a wide range of applications.

“Moreover, RPA Resin is markedly lighter than the materials it replaces,” says Mr. Rodrigue. “TRUSSCORE, a composite material that uses RPA, can be used as a structural component that replaces fiberglass reinforced plywood or similar natural materials in various applications such as marine decking. This means cargo boxes and chassis that use the material will be lighter and require decreased fuel expenditures, making this an environmentally friendly solution.”

Exousia’s other leading polymer material, VISTAMER®, is a performance additive made from a fine black powder of crumb rubber that originates from recycled tires. When mixed with plastics, concrete, epoxy, latex, or polysulphides, VISTAMER becomes part of the material matrix and chemically alters the surface of coatings, in ways similar to Velcro.

Intended for use in bridges, highways, cranes, and ships, VISTAMER binds materials to surfaces with 30-40% greater adhesive strength, thereby improving impact resistance, tear resistance, adhesive strength, traction, durability, flexibility, and abrasion resistance.

“VISTAMER ensures less peeling and rusting, and better protects surface coatings and substrates,” says Mr. Rodrigue. “As America girds itself for massive infrastructure refurbishment, the cost-saving and environmental implications of Exousia’s material solutions are especially profound.”

Related categories:  Recyclable materials