BRIEF HISTORY of NYALIC®

America’s race to the moon created an intense demand for technological advancement in alloys and coatings. One of the greatest challenges was the development of manned space capsules, vehicles that would be subjected to more punishment than any other mode of transportation in history. From the intense cold and ultraviolet radiation of space to the heat of re-entry and the expected corrosion caused after a saltwater splashdown, these vehicles had to withstand extremes never before experienced.

In their development of the Apollo space capsule, the development and manufacturing contractor solicited chemical companies and independent chemists to provide a protective coating for extruded aluminum and magnesium components of the spacecraft.  The contractor subjected over 300 different coatings to a battery of tests to determine which one would best meet its performance parameters. And the winner was Nyalic.

After considerable R&D, Nyalic, a unique formulation, was developed using nylonic and several other polymeric resins that appeared to exhibit the properties that the contractor was seeking – a coating that was very durable yet flexible, blocked UV rays, prevented corrosion and oxidation and performed at film thicknesses as low as three microns.

After intense and careful evaluation, Nyalic was chosen and used not only on the Apollo command module but on the Lunar Rover as well. Some forty-plus years later, HBI, Inc. now owns the formula and manufactures Nyalic.

For the past several years, HBI has worked diligently to improve upon the original, successful formula. Our R&D efforts have yielded a modified and improved product. HBI is proud to offer a Nyalic formulation that meets today’s most stringent VOC requirements. But rest assured that the same tried and true characteristics of Nyalic that have worked for years and that so many satisfied customers have come to appreciate and depend on still remain the same.