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Arkema showcases its latest innovations and advanced materials at K2016

Düsseldorf, 19 October 2016 – Arkema provides innovative solutions to meet some of the major challenges of today’s world: new energies, water treatment, lighter materials, everyday comfort and well being. These various topics are addressed at k2016´s Arkema stand.

The K2016 trade fair, held in Düsseldorf (Germany) from 19 to 26 October, showcases the Group’s latest innovations and its ranges of advanced materials around four major themes.

New energies: More efficient and recyclable wind turbines

A major challenge of the 21st century, renewable energies provide an answer to a growing demand for energy and a need to preserve the environment. During K2016, the spotlight will be on Elium®, the only liquid thermoplastic resin to be processed like a thermoset resin for the manufacture of structural composite components. The resulting parts boast mechanical properties identical to those of thermoset composites, with the added benefit of being thermoformable and fully recyclable.

This material is suitable in particular for the manufacture of recyclable wind turbine blades - a responsible alternative solution that aptly fits in with the circular economy.

New ultrafiltration membranes to produce water quality over the long term: Ultrafiltration membranes in PVDF Kynar

Providing access to drinking water for a majority of people is a real and imperative issue. Arkema began marketing this year a new Kynar® PVDF nanostructured grade that is particularly innovative in membrane filtration for the production of drinking water.

This high performance fluorinated polymer is used to manufacture ultrafiltration membranes capable of filtering out ultra fine particles such as bacteria and viruses. Furthermore, Kynar® PVDF membranes boast the specific feature of being hydrophilic, thereby allowing a 20% increase in the flow of filtered water compared to traditional membranes for the same energy output.

Also, these membranes feature lasting resistance to ageing and to corrosive chemicals, and so their lifetime can be extended from 5 to 10 years, Arkema claims

Lighter materials: Lightening the weight of vehicles to save energy

With the dwindling of petroleum resources and the need to minimize CO2 emissions, reducing fuel consumption by lightening the weight of vehicles is becoming the main challenge for carmakers. Arkema offers in particular two innovative solutions to meet this objective:

The Elium® thermoplastic resin makes it possible to manufacture composite parts reinforced with glass fiber or carbon fiber, such as bumpers and hoods. These parts made from Elium® have the advantage of being 30 to 50% lighter than aluminium parts, and above all are recyclable, Arkema claims.
Rilsan® HT, a flexible polyamide capable of withstanding the highest temperatures recorded under the engine hood, it is used to manufacture technical parts that are normally made of metal, with weight saving.

Everyday comfort: Focus on well being and progress

Arkema offers materials that are used in the composition of many consumer products. In the sports market for example, the Pebax® block amide thermoplastic polyester is used to manufacture new generation football boots and running shoes.

Arkema says that, with its unique properties of energy return, light weight, elasticity, flexibility and impact resistance, Pebax® was one of the stars of the Euro 2016 football tournament. Featured in the shoe soles of over 50% of the players in the competition, it is also used in particular in the latest PUMA shoe models and played a role in over half of all goals and decisive assists in the Euro competition!

More than just a chemicals producer, Arkema shapes materials to create and develop high-value-added solutions. With tailored solutions for the chemical process industry (Durastrength® and Clearstrength®), sustainable buildings (Kynar®), design (Altuglas®), and even the 3D printing technology (Rilsan® fine powders), Arkema plays a major role in these various thriving markets.

Source: Arkema