Solvay Advanced Polymers Launches Newly Enhanced, Full Line of High-Temperature, Wear-Resistant Plastics
Leveraging portfolio of high- and ultra-performance polymers, Solvay debuts specifically formulated grades designed for dry and lubricated environments
PHILADELPHIA, May 7 -- Solvay Advanced Polymers announced here today at the 62nd annual Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers Exposition the launch of a full line of high-temperature, wear- resistant plastics. Dedicated to friction and wear applications in both dry and lubricated environments, the product line leverages the industry's most extensive portfolio of high- and ultra-performance polymers. The new formulations are specifically designed for wear-resistant applications requiring long-term use in temperatures between 120-265 degrees C and short- term use up to 280 degrees C.
"Our announcement today is an extension of our philosophy built on providing customers more plastics with more performance," explained Chris Wilson, Business Director of Ultra Polymers for Solvay Advanced Polymers. "As design engineers and manufacturers increasingly look for better performing materials in these demanding applications, we're able to tap into a portfolio of material solutions. No other plastics supplier has the breadth and depth of performance offerings we do. No matter the challenge -- cost, performance, weight, etc. -- we can deliver a solution for their wear-resistant needs."
Enhancing current wear-resistant offerings in Amodel® polyphthalamide (PPA) and Torlon® polyamide-imide (PAI), Solvay Advanced Polymers has also announced wear-resistant formulations in its KetaSpire(TM) PEEK, AvaSpire(TM) modified PEEK, and Ixef® polyarylamide plastics. These plastics exhibit exceptional attributes in a range of performance areas, including heat- and chemical-resistance. Modified and reinforced with fibers and other additives, the new wear-resistant grades give design engineers exceptional mechanical performance for an array of demanding applications. In addition to being conventionally processable, many of the grades are available in stock shapes.
The company will market directly to manufacturers, system suppliers as well as other third-party processors. With its Amodel PPA and Torlon PAI already industry standards in bearings, washers, gears and seals, the newly extended line will aim to expand its presence in wear-resistant applications and parts for automotive, aerospace and oil exploration industries, among others.
"One size, turnkey solutions have no place in friction and wear," explained Nate Harry, Senior Global Market Manager for Wear Resistant Polymers at Solvay Advanced Polymers. "You can have so many variables at play in a given application -- performance under pressure, friction, chemicals, heat. What's truly unique about this new suite of products is that you can achieve impressive performance even absent lubricants. That can be an enormous advantage for industries such as healthcare and food processing where lubricated contaminants must be avoided at all costs."
Solvay Advanced Polymers is readying additional formulations and enhanced grades to supplement the line. The company is actively engaging global wear- resistant component suppliers in launching the new line. In addition, it is teaming with various premium third-party processors such as Drake Plastics (www.drakeplastics.com) and Quadrant Engineering Plastic Products (www.quadrantplastics.com), among others. For more information on Solvay Advanced Polymers wear-resistant line of high- and ultra-performance polymers, visit www.solvayadvancedpolymers.com.
About Solvay Advanced Polymers
Solvay Advanced Polymers, L.L.C., produces more plastics with more performance than any other company in the world. This gives design engineers worldwide more ways to solve top design challenges in automotive, medical, electronics, aerospace and other demanding industries.
Solvay is an international chemical and pharmaceutical Group with headquarters in Brussels. It employs some 29,000 people in 50 countries. In 2006, its consolidated sales amounted to EUR 9.4 billion, generated by its three sectors of activity: Chemicals, Plastics and Pharmaceuticals. Solvay (Euronext : SOLB.BE - Bloomberg: SOLB.BB - Reuters: SOLBt.BR) is listed on the Euronext stock exchange in Brussels. Details are available at www.solvay.com.
Source: Solvay Advanced Polymers, L.L.C.
CONTACT:
Mark Wheeler of Solvay Advanced Polymers, L.L.C.,
+1-770-772-8849, mark.wheeler@solvay.com
Web site: http://www.solvayadvancedpolymers-us.com/
http://www.drakeplastics.com/
http://www.quadrantplastics.com/
http://www.solvay.com/
Hi-resolution photography files available. Contact mark.wheeler@solvay.com
