MOSCOW (MRC) -- Arkema, a global chemical company and France’s leading chemicals producer, has developed its new range of Elium, the first thermoplastic resins that can be processed on the same equipment as thermoset resins, as per the company's press release.
The main advantages of Elium resins are the recyclability of composite parts, the use of well known processes (RTM, Infusion) to mold structural and semi-structural parts and the cost-effectiveness of the technology to make continuous-fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites.
In addition to the Elium range and Luperox organic peroxides - used as initiator for Elium resins - Arkema is developing a large range of high performance materials, additives and adhesives, for applications involving composites with a thermoset or a thermoplastic matrix:
- a polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) called Kepstan to replace metal in extreme conditions (aerospace, offshore);
- the Rilsan range, a high-performance polyamide that is 100% bio-sourced and which gives thermoplastic composites resistance to abrasion and impacts, even at low temperatures;
- additives like Nanostrength, Orgasol polyamides significantly improve the natural resistance properties of composites.
Lastly, AEC Polymers, an Arkema subsidiary specialized in structural adhesives, markets BlackMamba waterproof sealant adhesives and SAF structural adhesives, for complex composite assemblies.
As MRC reported before, in early 2014, Arkema, the world’s second leading producer of organic peroxides, announced the construction of a new organic peroxide plant on its Changshu site in China. This investment will help double the site’s production capacity.
A global chemical company and France’s leading chemicals producer, Arkema with annual revenue of EUR6.4 billion is a leading European supplier of chlorochemicals and PVC. Kynar and Kynar Flex are registered trademarks of Arkema Inc. Arkema operates 11 organic peroxide plants on the three continents.
MRC