Element Labs’ new material is well-suited for applications from lightweight aerospace fuel tanks to robust infrastructure components, the company said.
SACRAMENTO, Calif.—An engineered polymer developed by Element Labs is earning plaudits for its toughness, physical property selectivity, and ability to be processed by “all traditional thermoset manufacturing technologies,” according to a release from Element Labs, a division of NZT Group, Inc.
The advanced material, NEOZANT™, is reported to combine the best traits of thermoplastics, thermosets, and fluoropolymers: high-temperature performance, exceptional impact strength, and extreme corrosion resistance. These properties are well-suited for applications ranging from lightweight aerospace fuel tanks to durable pipelines and robust infrastructure components, Element Labs said in the release.
The company described NEOZANT as “a revolutionary polymer engineered to redefine performance, sustainability, and versatility across industries such as aerospace, mobility, chemicals, infrastructure, dunnage, medical equipment, and energy.”
“The transformative potential of NEOZANT is evident in its wide range of applications, from advancing hydrogen transportation and storage technologies to strengthening reinforced concrete and reducing the carbon dioxide footprint in critical infrastructure development,” the company said.
The material’s versatility in manufacturing is said to support neat resin processes like injection molding, casting, and 3D printing, as well as composite techniques. These techniques include press and rotational molding, spin casting, filament winding, vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM), fiber placement, pultrusion, and tooling.
“Sustainability and innovation are at the core of NEOZANT™,” said Stuart A.M. Toner, COO at NZT Group, Inc., and president of Element Labs, in the release. “Our material not only pushes the boundaries of performance but also meets the demand for environmentally responsible solutions, offering lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and highly durable options for industries worldwide.”
A key partner of Element Labs, Exothermic Molding, Inc. (www.exothermic.com), has leveraged NEOZANT™’s fire-retardant properties for JBT’s (www.jbtc.com) new line of autonomous vehicle tops and fronts. The material has helped ensure safety and durability in demanding commercial environments.
“Using the reaction injection molding (RIM) process, Exothermic achieves perfect encapsulation of metal inserts, creating seamless components with superior structural integrity and thermal performance,” the release stated. “Through Exothermic’s value-added sub-assembly services, JBT receives fully assembled NEOZANT™.”
A recent breakthrough in material science and advanced manufacturing techniques produced a superior consolidated component for military applications. By reverse-engineering broken fiberglass parts used in aircraft maintenance, engineers molded a ready-to-use solution from pigmented NEOZANT™ resin, integrating 3D-printed components and bonded elastomeric materials.
“This innovative design passed a 20-foot drop test, met specific corrosion resistance standards, and eliminated the need for painting,” according to the release. “By bonding 3D-printed plugs, nitrile feet, and walking treads directly to pigmented NEOZANT™ parts, Exothermic provides ready-to-install solutions that enhance reliability and eliminate painting needs.”
Paul K. Steck, president of Exothermic Molding, Inc., said that NEOZANT has transformed Exothermic’s ability to deliver high-performance solutions.
“Its durability and process versatility allow us to replace legacy materials with components that withstand extreme conditions, while streamlining production through our value-added sub-assembly services,” he said in the release.