Materials firm RTP Co. has acquired patents for anti-scratch additives from TenasiTech.
The transaction was completed in September and includes nanoparticle technology patents, officials with RTP in Winona, Minn., said in a Nov. 11 news release. TenasiTech is a technology firm based in Boston. No purchase price was disclosed.
"The base technology greatly improves scratch and mar resistance in injection molded thermoplastics, delivering best-in-class performance," Scott Koberna, RTP wear and friction general manager, said in the release.
Officials added that damage from scratch or mar can occur on the surface of a plastic part during manufacturing, assembly, packaging, shipping or product use. To protect the aesthetic value of the part, they said, molders and manufacturers often turn to secondary processes like special protective packaging, coatings or painting.
RTP's Surface Protection Compounds have the scratch resistance and the depth of color required to potentially eliminate the need for these processes, officials said. Doing so reduces costs, improves aesthetics, and enhances the perceived value of the part, they added.
Uses for the new technology include automotive interior and exterior components, consumer products, appliances and consumer or medical electronics housings.
Koberna said that RTP's initial use of the nanoparticle technology will be in nylon, acrylic and polyester resins. He added that the firm will offer clear grades and can achieve many colors, including piano black.
RTP is planning a commercial launch of its TenasiTech Surface Protection portfolio in 2021. The acquisition of the patents is the firm's first deal since August 2019, when it acquired the Zeotherm-brand thermoplastic vulcanizate product line from Zeon Chemicals LP.
RTP is a global compounder that operates 20 plants worldwide, making compounds based on more than 60 different engineering resin systems.