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. Since the late 1930s, growing numbers of instruments have used strings made of robust polyamide fibres. 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, 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”.

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.