Nanomaterial Dispersions

Additives for Enhanced Gas Barrier Packaging Films

MBN offers nanocomposite masterbatch additives engineered to enhance gas barrier properties in polymer packaging films. Produced via Mechanomade® mechanochemical processing, these pre-dispersed nanoparticle masterbatches include graphene, nanoclays, and silica in dust-free, easy-to-handle pellets for industrial polymer compounding.

Advanced Processing Technology:
Mechanical alloying actively predisperses and exfoliates nanoparticles, increasing surface reactivity and ensuring uniform distribution within the polymer matrix—significantly simplifying compounding processes vs. direct nanoparticle addition.

Performance & Applications:
Demonstrates up to 50% improvement in gas barrier performance when integrated into PP (polypropylene), HDPE (high-density polyethylene), PLA (polylactic acid), or PHB (polyhydroxybutyrate). Ideal for multilayer packaging films, food packaging, and biodegradable packaging requiring extended shelf life and improved material efficiency.

Compatibility: Both polar and non-polar polymers. Provides safe, scalable advanced packaging solutions.

COMPOSITION
Polymer masterbatch with graphene / Nanoclays / Silica

PROPERTIES
Min. Solid content         80 wt.%

Granule size                 <2 mm

Colour                          Pale yellow

Nanofluids for Paper Deacidification & Cultural Heritage Conservation

Nf070 is an advanced nano-calcium hydroxide dispersion for paper deacidification and cultural heritage conservation. Produced via Mechanomade® mechanochemical synthesis, it contains 50-400 nm reactive nanoparticles suspended in isopropanol for residue-free application.

Enhanced Reactivity Technology:
Mechanical alloying introduces structural defects and lattice distortions in the calcium hydroxide crystals, dramatically increasing carbonation reactivity. Upon contact with atmospheric CO₂, nanoparticles rapidly convert to calcium carbonate, forming a stable alkaline reserve buffer within cellulose fibers for long-term acid neutralization.

Conservation Applications:
◉ Paper deacidification – historical documents, books, archives

◉ Mural painting consolidation – frescoes, wall paintings

◉ Masonry conservation – lime-based mortars, stone substrates

Alcohol carrier evaporates completely, leaving only active nano-lime. Compatible with traditional building materials, preserving material authenticity and historical integrity.

Aqueous Dispersions for Electroplating Applications

Within the EU-funded MOZART project,

MBN developed advanced nanoparticle dispersions for electroplating based on silicon carbide (SiC) and titanium carbide (TiC) synthesized via Mechanomade® mechanochemical processing. These aqueous ceramic nanoparticle masterbatches deliver stable ceramic reinforcements for nickel composite coatings, significantly enhancing hardness and wear resistance in electrodeposited layers.

Technical Specifications:
◉ Nano-SiC dispersion – β-SiC nanoparticles (~130 nm), up to 80 g/L concentration, water-based, solvent-free
◉ Nano-TiC dispersion – TiC nanoparticles (~160 nm) obtained by applying Mechanomade®  processing to self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS), stable aqueous suspension

Applications & Advantages:
Safe, dust-free handling. Compatible with industrial electroplating lines for nickel composite electroplating. Cost-effective alternative to commercial nanopowders for automotive coatings, aerospace surface treatments, and tooling wear protection.

COMPOSITION
Aqueous dispersions with SiC (~130 nm) or TiC (~160 nm) nanoparticles

PROPERTIES
SiC Concetration          up to 80 g/L

Solvent                        water-based, additive-free

Particle size                 130–160 nm

Inoculants for Aluminum Metal Matrix Nanocomposite Casting

MBN’s aluminum-based ceramic nanoparticle masterbatch is a next-generation casting inoculant developed within the EU-funded FLAMINGo project

for Aluminum Metal Matrix Nanocomposites (Al-MMnCs). Engineered with nano-SiC and nano-TiC particles, it enables foundries to produce high-performance lightweight aluminum alloys with superior mechanical and thermal properties.

Technical Performance:
Introduced directly into molten aluminum, the masterbatch ensures uniform nanoparticle dispersion, functioning as both grain refiner and microstructural enhancer. Results: improved tensile strength, creep resistance, and thermal stability.

Casting Process Compatibility:
Fully compatible with Green Sand Casting, Low-Pressure Die Casting (LPDC), and High-Pressure Die Casting (HPDC)—no process modifications required.

Automotive Validation:
Steering knuckles, chassis components, strut mounts – achieving up to 45% weight reduction vs. steel while maintaining strength and safety. Scalable, recyclable, supporting sustainable automotive lightweighting.