oost the performance of long-chain polyamides to empower the use of nylon 12 (PA12) in more challenging applications and take part in Evonik’s discovery journey in the world of high-performance polymers

Join now!

Status Quo

Polyamide 12 (Nylon 12) was developed in 1960ies by Chemiewerke Huels, a predecessor of Evonik, and is marketed under the tradename VESTAMID. Nylon 12 is used for automotive fuel and break lines, oil and gas pipes, sport shoe soles, industrial coatings and additive manufacturing.

TROGAMID CX is a transparent Polyamide of Evonik, which is based on a cycloaliphatic monomer and offers high transparency. It is used for sunglasses, water filters or medical applications.

Challenge

Long-chain polyamides such as Polyamide 12 convince with balanced properties towards mechanical and chemical stability as well as toughness at low temperatures but are limited in use in applications that require a high continuous use temperature (e.g. under the hood applications).In this challenge Evonik wants to experience new concepts, with which the material performance can be boosted to offer new features, broaden the application field for this high-performance polymer, experience new processing technologies and learn about potential new use cases for nylon 12.

Tracks

To participate in this challenge, you can use one of the following four tracks to help structure your approach and get a better understanding of the different areas that Evonik is focusing on.

Non-Track related Questions:

Which concepts from other polymers be directly transferred to PA12?
Which new applications can be potentially addressed after implementation of your solution into PA12?
What are the limitations of your solution?
Is your solution (or anything similar) commercially available?
Which process is required to implement your solution?

Track 1: Stabilization against hydrolysis and thermal degradation

Which new stabilizer concepts (and suppliers thereof) are available to push the limitation of long-chain polyamides due to hydrolysis and thermal degradation? Which chemistry can be used for fiber reinforced/ unreinforced materials and how can it be applied?
Which applications can be addressed with a thermally more stable material?

Track 2: Refractory Index 
Inspire us with new approaches to enhance the refractory index in transparent polyamides to at least 1,7! Propose additives systems and a suitable approach to incorporate them into the polymeric material. Which polymer modification at transparent polyamides are possible to influence the refractory index? Surprise us with new comonomers! 

Track 3: Compatibility and adhesion 
How can you modify nylon 12 to ensure adhesion to other polymers such as PVDF, PP or EVOH in multilayer processes without using additional adhesives? Which processes can be used to ensure proper adhesion? 

 

Track 4: Novel use cases for long-chain polyamides 
Which use cases are possible with PA12 foams (particle or extruded foam, ideally flame retardant) as well as PA12 composites (GMTs, UD Tapes, organosheets, ….) that can bring additional value for the application. Think about creative use case (e.g. foams instead of bulk plastic or metal parts) and do not consider a simple replacement of existing materials in foam or composite applications? 

Timeline

To summarize: No matter if you are a student, a researcher, a new team or a startup: Until the 08th of February, your task is to come up with an innovative approach towards boosting the potential of long-chain polyamides and their success in the long-term!

  • 1st Round – Qualification-phase: until the 1st of February 2021
    With the start of the challenge, you have time until the 1st of February 2021 11:59 pm CET to work on and submit your ideas, concepts and sketches via our online platform. During this period, you can decide to either fight alone, build a team, or find partners/potential team members through our platform. Find more information in our How-to tab.
  • Calling the finalists: by the 8th of February 2021
    Latest at this date, Evonik will decide which participants will get the chance to take part in the final round of this challenge. All participants will be notified via email.
  • 2nd Round – Elaboration-phase: 8th of February till the 08th of March 2021
    Based on a concrete Feedback from Evonik, you will get the chance to develop your approach to a more detailed solution or even a first prototype.  You have time to do so and submit your solution via our platform until 11:59 pm CET on the 08th of March 2021
  • Announcement of the Winners: 15th of March 2021
    To conclude the Challenge, Evonik will announce the winners. In addition to a total of € 7.000  in prize money being shared among the best three teams, the winners of the Challenge will also have to chance to pitch their winning solutions to selected experts at Evonik and, if possible, even further collaborate with the team.

Incentives

At the end of the Challenge Evonik offers multiple attractive prizes for the winners which vary in range, based on the type of solution offered. 

If you are a supplier or manufacturer, Evonik can become a long-term customer and strong cooperation partner in addition to the prize for this specific challenge. 

For winners who present a conceptual solution, use cases or other innovative approaches, Evonik not only offers an attractive pool of prize money as shown below, but also the opportunity for a research cooperation project or even exciting job opportunities at Evonik’s Research & Development Department. 

The winning teams will be invited to present their ideas Infront of experts at Evonik and will get the chance to get even more input from them. 

There will be an overall prize pool of 7.000€ granted. It will be distributed to the three winning teams: (4.000€/2.000€/1.000€) 

More information "Boosting the performance of long-chain polyamides"-Challenge