Solvay Acquires LFT Business From EPIC Polymers
To gain access to metal replacement of larger automotive semi-structural parts, Solvay has acquire EPIC's long-fiber thermoplastic business.
Belgium’s Solvay (U.S. office in Alpharetta, Ga.) has acquired the long-fiber thermoplastics business and technology of privately-owned EPIC polymers GmbH of Germany. Solvay is aiming to gain access to metal replacement of larger automotive semi-structural parts and this technology complements its existing offering of high-performance lightweighting materials.
EPIC Polymers has developed an innovative technology to reinforce high-performance thermoplastics with long glass fibers. According to Solvay, demand-led growth for these sophisticated tailored materials, which offer superior mechanical and thermal properties, is driven by the need to reduce fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions.
“Having this technology is an important step in the expansion of Solvay Specialty Polymers’ broad offering of materials that are simultaneously light and ultra-performing. We will be able to provide larger semi-structural parts for the automotive sector, our key market, and develop expertise to apply LFT technology to core polymers including KetaSpire PEEK and AvaSpire PAEK, providing further possibilities for metal replacement in other markets such as transportation,” said Augusto Di Donfrancesco, president of the Solvay Specialty Polymers Global Business Unit. The LFT technology will also be applied to Solvay’s Amodel PPA and Ryton PPS portfolio of products and Technyl nylon 66 range.
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