Braskem, the first Brazilian petrochemical company to request a nanotechnology patent in Brazil, deposited, on beggining of may (04/05/2007), in first PVC patent in relation to such technology, considered as one of the most promising forefronts in the area of polymer and material science. "This initiative reaffirms Braskem´s commitment to technological innovation as a way of creating value for the entire PVC chain", states Luís Felli, Vice-president of Braskem Vinylic Products Business Unit.

Nano-composites are resins supplemented with nano-particles - about 50 thousand times smaller than a strand of hair, which provide products with superior physical products, such as hardness, resistance to traction, shock and attrition, in addition to improving PVC performance before fire.

According to Marcelo Nunes, Braskem Marketing and Strategy Director, the development of new special resins is the result of the priority adopted by the company to increase the participation of products of greater added-value in its portfolio. "To invest in technology and innovation is part of our commitment to increase the competitiveness of the company and clients", explains Marcelo Nunes.

The new patent consists in the development of a new process for the production of PVC nanocomposites by means of polymerization reaction obtained directly in the reactors - or "in situ", in technical language Developed in Braskem’s Technology and Innovation Center, in the business units of Camaçari (Bahia), São Paulo, and Triunfo (Rio Grande do Sul), this innovative process will initially cater to the segment of high performance components for the civil construction industry. As is the case, for example, of tubes, connections and shapes of high performance.

With the initiative, Braskem is able to achieve the mark of 155 patents registered in Brazil and abroad, consolidating its leadership in the development of new technologies in processes, products and applications in the Brazilian petrochemical industry.
"We hope to launch the first PVC nanoresin in the country in 2008", informs Luciano Nunes, Market Development and Innovation manager, and coordinator of Braskem’s nano-PVC project.