Aug 21 2007
Victrex plc, the leading provider of VICTREX® PEEK™ polymer, and Whitford Worldwide, the leading worldwide producer of performance fluoropolymer coatings, today announced they have entered into an enhanced supply agreement for VICTREX PEEK Polymer. Additionally, Whitford announced the launch of their new Xylan 1100 series consisting of four new dispersions for coating applications based on VICTREX PEEK polymer. This union combines Whitford’s leading position in the high performance coatings industry with Victrex’s leading position and material expertise in the manufacture and use of VICTREX PEEK polymer.
“We are excited about our relationship with Whitford. Our combined expertise will enable Whitford to secure new coating applications with their new range of Xylan 1100 series of dispersions, based upon VICTREX PEEK Polymer. With Whitford, we can increase the global reach of VICTREX PEEK polymer and bring its performance benefits to a broader spectrum of coatings applications,” said David Hummel, Chief Executive Officer, Victrex.
The key ingredient in the Xylan 1100 series is VICTREX PEEK polymer, a linear, aromatic, semi-crystalline polymer widely regarded as one of the highest performing thermoplastics in the world.
By using VICTREX PEEK polymer, the Xylan 1100 series takes advantage of the special properties of the polymer and provides superior performance over competitive coatings. It is a great choice for coating solutions designed to improve the overall wear and life of the coated part in many applications.
“Victrex has a particular need for a global partner as a custom formulator of dispersions, especially where mass customization is required. Together with Whitford we can fulfill the increasing demand by OEMs, especially in the area of non-stick cookware, with custom dispersions and unique formulations.” said Annette Forster, VICOTE® Coatings Global Commercial Leader for Victrex.
The Xylan 1100 series provides excellent adhesion to many substrates, and offer the performance benefits inherent with VICTREX PEEK polymer, including high temperature capability (500° F/260° C), excellent impact, abrasion and wear resistance, chemical, hydrolysis and radiation resistance, low coefficient of friction, excellent scratch resistance, lower specific gravity, and included within the range are FDA food contact approved grades.
“Whitford’s Xylan 1100 resulted from our relationship with Victrex and our philosophy that the way to a better product is to create one specifically designed to meet our customer’s needs. We combined the high performance characteristics inherent in VICTREX PEEK polymer with our expertise in fluoropolymer coating production to provide end users with a solution for satisfying the demands of their most challenging applications,” said Dave Willis, founder and president of Whitford Worldwide.
The Xylan 1100 series, incorporating VICTREX PEEK Polymer, consists of the following four product grades: Xylan 1110 is a general-purpose coating with the most all-around properties, providing the optimum combination of low friction, wear-resistance and high-temperature release; Xylan 1114 alters the ratio of fluoropolymers to VICTREX PEEK to achieve a harder, more abrasion-resistant coating with the least sacrifice in frictional values; Xylan 1152 is formulated to increase the load-bearing capability while maintaining an extremely low coefficient of friction; Xylan 1170 is formulated to be the most corrosion-resistant of the 1100 series, while maintaining reasonably low-friction properties. Xylan 1110, 1114 and 1170 all comply with FDA regulations (CFR 175.300). Xylan 1152 is not FDA-compliant.
Both companies have similar profiles with respect to key markets and applications including cookware and bakeware, industrial, automotive, and textile. Whitford and Victrex offer OEMs a unique combination of material expertise and market knowledge in coatings to target applications that can benefit from the impressive performance of VICTREX PEEK polymer to gain a competitive advantage.