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Request for Proposal

Additives to Accelerate Solidification or Crystallization of Plastics Usable at Above 270°C

Status: RFP is Closed
Request Number
RFP_2018_3895
Due Date
Jan 9, 2019
Program Manager

Opportunity
Contract research, joint development,
supplier agreement, etc.

 

Timeline
Phase 1: Sample tests and partner selection, within 0.5 years
Phase 2: Application to mass-production processes (within 1.5 years after Phase 1 is completed)

 

Financials
Necessary development expense will be covered
(Details to be discussed).

 

How to  Apply
  • Click on "Respond", complete the form to the extent possible, and submit along with other attachment files available. 
  • After creating your account for NineSights, your draft will be automatically saved and you can resume later from "Control Center". Please note you do not submit confidential information at this process.
  • This request for proposals in PDF format is available here.
SOLUTION PROVIDER HELP DESK
If you have any questions or request, please feel free to contact us at: phd2@ninesigma.com 
RFP was closed on
Jan 2019

RFP Title

Additives to Accelerate Solidification or  Crystallization of Plastics Usable at Above 270°C
RFP Description

NineSigma, representing a multibillion-dollar leading parts manufacturer, seeks additives or nucleating agents that have heat resistance of more than 270°C and that can accelerate the solidification or crystallization of plastics. The client intends to use these additives for cooling processes after molding glass fiber-reinforced polyamide plastics.

In this request, proposals on technology that has not been applied to the above-mentioned plastics before are also welcome. The client is willing to select the best candidates through sample testing of the proposed technologies.

Key Success Criteria

Precondition: Target polymer series

  • Composition of the fiber-reinforced plastics
    • Polyamides
      • Concentration: 40–60 wt%
    • Glass fiber
      • Concentration: 40–60 wt%
  • Maximum temperature during molding: 270–300°C (The solidification of polymers occurs at a temperature lower than this range.)

 

Requirements for additives

  • Must have solidification or crystallization acceleration characteristics
    • Experimental track records with glass fiber-reinforced polyamide plastics is not required at the present moment.
    • Data in a lab is acceptable.
  • Heat resistance: The function to accelerate solidification or crystallization must be sustained after going through a temperature of more than 270°C (durability at more than 290°C is preferable, but not required).
  • Additive amount to be used: 0.3–0.5 wt%
  • More than 300 g of samples available
Possible Approaches

Possible Approaches

Possible approaches of adding compounds might include, but are not limited to:

  • Inorganic materials
    • Metal oxides
    • Talc
    • Others
  • Organic materials
    • Metal benzoates
    • Sorbitol and its derivatives
    • Others
  • Polymer materials
    • High-melting polyamides
    • Others

Background

The client is working on development of solidification/crystallization process after kneading polymer and fiber for the manufacturing of new glass fiber-reinforced plastic products. Although the plastic product has excellent mechanical characteristics, the process takes a long time due to slow solidification of the plastic, which leads to expensive price of the final products.

Therefore, the client is looking for nucleating agents so as to shorten the process. However, the molding temperature is as high as almost 300°C, which limits possible nucleating agent candidates. The client has tried various approaches by changing molds, machines, and temperature conditions, but improvement is not enough.

On the other hand, nucleating agents for a wide variety of polymers have been developed. Therefore, the client has issued this open request to find potential solutions by asking companies and researchers from around the world.

 

Preferred Collaboration Types
Items to be Submitted

Notes on Response

Proposal shall have clear points and should not include confidential information. Supplemental files may be submitted in addition to the proposal.

 

Response evaluation

The client will evaluate all responses with the following criteria.

  • Overall scientific and technical merit
  • Approach to proof of concept or performance
  • Economic potential of concept
  • Realism of the proposed plan (action items, timeline, roles, deliverables, cost estimation)
  • Potential for proprietary position
  • Respondents’ capability and related experiences

 

Anticipated Project Process

After reviewing submitted proposals, the client possibly ask clarifying questions before selecting the most suitable candidates for collaboration. The client will select best candidates through evaluations. During the selection process, the client may execute NDA with selected respondents, seek further information disclosure, and discuss specific development targets or potential opportunities.

 

The client will execute necessary agreements with the selected respondents and move to the advanced development phase. Specifics of any collaboration will be determined through consultation with the concerned parties.