Evonik’s VESTAMID® sounds the chord
Evonik and NTEC, an experienced manufacturer of filaments based in China, have jointly developed a new monofilament using Evonik’s high performance plastic VESTAMID® for instrument strings.
Innovative applications with VESTAMID®
Since the late 1930s, growing numbers of instruments have used strings made of robust nylon fibers. There are obvious benefits to these—they are environmentally stable, durable, and easy to use.
The monofilament made from VESTAMID® D18 that Evonik and NTEC have developed, a polyamide 612 (PA 612), meets all these requirements and also excels thanks to its outstanding transparency and smooth surface. This last property gives musicians better dexterity when playing, while the high level of transparency enhances the clarity and tone of the strings.
On the process side, the new filament scores points with its excellent processing stability, which guarantees the same length of string diameter, resilience and scalability.
Derek Shi, a manager from Evonik’s High Performance Polymers Business Line, says: “We are committed to bringing the innovative solutions to the users by means of our wide range of specialty polymers. The concept of PA 612-based nylon strings is aimed at professional musical instruments with a pleasant and clear sound.”
VESTAMID® for harp strings
Strings made of VESTAMID® D18 feature balanced mechanical properties and low hygroscopicity. This allows them to maintain stable frequency and pitch in moist or humid environments.
The monofilament with a diameter range of 0.5-0.7mm was originally developed for harp strings but with different diameters and winding methods can equally be used in other string and plucked instruments such as violins.
Collaboration for success
“The success of harp strings with VESTAMID® is the product of the excellent collaboration between Evonik and NTEC. Evonik provided the material & product know-how, while NTEC contributed its years of experience in producing these specific filaments for instrument strings,” said Dr. Iordanis Savvopoulos, head of the Granules & Compounds Product Line at Evonik.
Company information
Evonik, the creative industrial group from Germany, is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals, operating in the Nutrition & Care, Resource Efficiency and Performance Materials segments. The company benefits from its innovative prowess and integrated technology platforms. In 2015 more than 33,500 employees generated sales of around €13.5 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of about €2.47 billion.
About Resource Efficiency
The Resource Efficiency segment is led by Evonik Resource Efficiency GmbH and supplies high performance materials for environmentally friendly as well as energy-efficient systems to the automotive, paints & coatings, adhesives, construction, and many other industries. This segment employed about 8,600 employees, and generated sales of around €4.3 billion in 2015.
Disclaimer
In so far as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this press release or where our statements concern the future, these forecasts, expectations or statements may involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may vary, depending on changes in the operating environment. Neither Evonik Industries AG nor its group companies assume an obligation to update the forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release.