Solvay SA will begin producing high-performance polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) polymers in the U.S. early next year to support its composite materials business in meeting growing aerospace demand.
In a Sept. 12 statement, the Brussels-based specialty chemicals company said it would start PEKK production at its site in Augusta, Ga., and under the trade name NovaSpire.
“Solvay further affirms its unique position in lightweighting materials by joining the forces of its high performance specialty polymers and composite materials to produce its own PEKK resin,” said Roger Kearns, a member of Solvay’s executive committee.
“This new capacity will address fast-growing demand for thermoplastic composites and 3D printing components in aerospace and in other markets.”
PEKK is used in thermoplastic composites reinforced with carbon fibers and in additive manufacturing in a range of industrial applications.
Solvay announced last year that it was developing specialty polymers including PEKK compatible with elective laser sintering (SLS).
With the 2015 acquisition of U.S. composite materials producer Cytec Industries Inc., Solvay has gained a strong position in PEKK, a material that has proven itself for the SLS processes.
Source: Plastics News
We are closing the chapter of the Chemicals Import Export Headquarters, and opening a new chapter under the name of Qemetica – a chemical group driving many industries on all continents. Therefore, the change of name is also accompanied by the adoption of the key goals of the business strategy for the next 6 years. – says Kamil Majczak, President of the Management Board.
In its efforts to advance chemical recycling, Neste has successfully conducted its first processing trial run with a new challenging raw material, liquefied discarded tires. In the processing run, Neste produced high-quality raw material for new plastics and chemicals.
Sika is opening a state-of-the-art facility in Lima, Peru, to produce synthetic macro fibers, and expanding the rollout of a product range with great growth potential in Latin America. With this innovative technology, Sika is further strengthening its position as a leading supplier to the mining industry and a strong partner for infrastructure projects.