Oct 19 2006
Solvay Advanced Polymers, L.L.C. introduced KetaSpire PEEK, its new line of PEEK products based on nucleophilic chemistry, the same technology used in the market's leading PEEK product. The performance plastic maker announced today that production, immediately under way, will be initially based out of its semi- commercial operations in the U.S., with a phased-in rollout that includes full commercial production at its new PEEK unit in Panoli, India, due on stream in Q1 2008.
The new unit in Panoli has a capacity of 500 metric tons with a design enabling it to double capacity to meet future demand. KetaSpire PEEK is part of Solvay Advanced Polymers' new SolvaSpire family of ultra-performance plastics. The SolvaSpire line includes:
- KetaSpire PEEK (polyetherether ketone) - the industry's best balance of thermal, mechanical and chemical-resistant performance with the ease of fabrication
- AvaSpire resins - PEEK-based polymer formulations offering unique advantages that bridge performance and pricing gaps in the ultra polymer space
- PrimoSpire SRP (self-reinforced polyphenylene) - the world's stiffest un-reinforced polymer, featuring remarkable hardness, chemical- resistance and inherent flame-retardant properties
- EpiSpire HTS (high-temperature sulfone) - a plastic with exceptional "creep" resistance in ultra-high use temperatures
- Torlon PAI (polyamide-imide) - Polyimide performance with the design and processing freedom of an injection moldable thermoplastic
"What's truly exciting about our KetaSpire PEEK product is what it adds to the breadth of our overall portfolio of high- and ultra-performance plastics," explained Roger Kearns, President and CEO, Solvay Advanced Polymers. "We've worked tirelessly to put together a portfolio of polymer solutions that meet the many and varied challenges facing design engineers worldwide. Our SolvaSpire family of ultra polymers meets the increasing need for polymer options that provide lighter, stronger and better performing alternatives to metals, ceramics and other composite materials."
KetaSpire PEEK's initial product offering includes a platform of unfilled neat resins plus a range of glass and carbon fiber reinforced compounds. A family of unfilled, glass-filled and carbon reinforced products will also comprise the initial slate of the AvaSpire resin product line. Initial availability of both KetaSpire PEEK and AvaSpire will be limited by the semi- commercial scale currently available. Full commercial production of 500 metric tons is due online in early 2008.
PEEK is renowned for its ability to deliver exceptional chemical- resistance, flame retardant properties and strength with the design and processing ease associated with a semi-crystalline polymer. These qualities are important for design engineers working on critical applications in industries such as aerospace, healthcare and automotive, among others. In addition, enhanced and modified versions also yield extremely high temperature resistance.
http://www.solvay.com