CompositesWorld
Issue link: https://cw.epubxp.com/i/891910
NEWS 15 CompositesWorld.com Solvay Plans US PEEK production BIZ BRIEF Solvay (Brussels, Belgium) reported on Sept. 12 that it will begin producing polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) polymers (tradenamed NovaSpire) in the US in early 2018 at the company's Augusta, GA, US, location, to meet growing aerospace demand. PEKK is used in thermoplastic composites reinforced with carbon fibers and in additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, in a range of industrial applications. Roger Kearns, a member of Solvay's Executive Committee, says, "This new ca- pacity will address fast-growing demand for thermoplastic composites and 3D printing components in aerospace and in other markets." In other news, Solvay reported on Sept. 19 that it has entered into a binding agreement with German chemical com- pany BASF SE (Ludwigshafen, Germany) for the sale of its polyamides business. "Solvay's planned divestment of Polyamides marks a tipping point in the profound transformation journey we be- gan four years ago. Successful completion of this transaction will further reinforce Solvay as a multi-specialty chemical group, delivering superior growth and sustainable value," says Jean-Pierre Clamadieu, CEO of Solvay. The transaction covers Solvay's up- stream and downstream polyamides busi- ness in Europe, North America and Asia, as well as the downstream engineering plastics business in Latin America. Solvay will retain its upstream intermediates and downstream textile polyamide business in Latin America. Solvay and BASF aim to close the deal in third quarter 2018, after customary regulatory approvals and the formal consent of a joint venture partner. Roctool Inc. (Le Bourget du Lac, France) has created a new team of designers to meet the increasing demands from brand and equipment manufacturers for the de- velopment of plastic, composite and metal. The team, located in Paris, France; San Jose, CA, US; and Chicago, IL, US, will be responsible for understanding the current challenges faced by leading brands, assist them with the innovation needed for new consumer products, such as automotive applications or electronic consumer goods. 1-888-PEEL-PLY (733-5759) | Fax 336-510-8003 | precisionfabrics.com Precision Fabrics is an ISO 9001 certified company It takes both imagination and engineering to achieve fl ight. Today, in establishing their specifi cations, aircraft manufacturers trust Precision Fabrics Group to help them think beyond existing material and processing limits. Working together, we can help you develop products for your specifi c applications. For more information about PFG Peel Ply that meets aerospace specifi cations, contact Allen Leonard at 1-888-PEEL-PLY, or Allen.Leonard@precisionfabrics.com of The POWER PEEL PLY