K2010: a showcase for Arkema’s latest innovations

08/26/2010    Press Release

Arkema’s polymers play a part in the vast majority of industries: automotive, electronics, furniture, construction, packaging, medical and the energies sector, and are used in increasing amounts with ever more cutting edge qualities. They help manufacture increasingly sturdy, light and durable components, often replacing metal or glass. With its extensive range of technical polymers of renewable origin at the forefront, Arkema will be exhibiting at the upcoming Kunststoffe 2010 tradeshow with an original stand showcasing the many applications of its plastics.

On an innovative stand with a streamlined look, visitors will be able to discover the applications of Arkema’s materials and additives through four « market hubs »: Lifestyle (sport, decoration, consumer products, medical), Construction (public works, construction, furniture and fittings, window profiles), Energy (photovoltaics, electric cables, batteries, offshore pipes, wind turbines), and Transport (automotive, aerospace). 3D clips for each of these four themes will highlight Arkema’s products and their presence in everyday life: technical polymers (Pebax®, polyamides 11 and 12), Kynar® PVDF fluorinated polymers, functional additives (PVC stabilisers, impact modifiers and processing aids), polyolefins, Altuglas® acrylic resins, PVC polymers (general use, PVC paste, emulsion and micro-suspension, chlorinated PVC), as well as carbon nanotube masterbatches, and the new PEKK ultra high performance polymer.

Biosourced plastics in the limelight
Biosourced plastics(1) already account for 30% of Arkema’s technical polymer business, and call upon around 2/3rds of this activity’s R&D. These polymers offer the same properties as their oil-sourced counterparts, even outperforming them. By exhibiting objects and prototypes made from these materials, Arkema will showcase its biosourced polymers in particular: Rilsan® 11 (polyamide processed entirely from castor oil), Pebax® Rnew (up to 90% biosourced elastomer), Rilsan® Clear Rnew (transparent polyamide made from 54% renewable raw materials). Rilsan® HT (high temperature polymer derived from castor oil for engine-compartment automotive applications). The first office chairs designed by Japan’s n°2 furniture maker will be unveiled for preview - their main components and textiles are made from Rilsan® 11 and Pebax® Rnew -, and so will objects made of Rilsan® and Pebax® Rnew developed with the Japanese company Sanko Lite, specialised in the use of Urushi natural lacquer.

New developments in functional additives and Altuglas® acrylic glass
K2010 will see the launch of Durastrength® 365, a patented innovation from Arkema’s Functional Additives business unit which is unique on the acrylic impact modifiers market for PVC window profiles and offers unmatched cost efficiency. This grade combines carefully selected mineral additives with acrylic components with a high elastomer content. This results in excellent PVC processability, optimised impact resistance meeting the best standards of PVC windows, and a very sturdy assembly of PVC profiles thanks to superior strength of corner welds.

Altuglas International, the world leader in acrylic glass (PMMA) and an Arkema subsidiary, will also present its new acrylic resins for medical applications, Altuglas® CR 30 and Altuglas® CR 50. These impact-modified grades feature excellent alcohol and lipid resistance, which minimises the risk of stress cracking due to attack by drugs and disinfectants, together with optimum transparency. They contain neither phthalate nor bisphenol A (BPA), and can withstand radiation sterilisation, and so are suitable for use in medical equipment in contact with drugs such as syringes, blood dialysers, and renal cassettes.

Altuglas International will present another new development: a new ultra matt PMMA grade with outstanding satin finish, very soft touch, and very high resistance to scratches and fingerprints. This grade can be injection-moulded, extruded or co-extruded without losing any of its properties. It is ideal for the manufacture of sheet (which can then be thermoformed), film, profile and pipe. It is suitable for use in transport, construction, street furniture, and indoor furniture.

Find out about these products and meet the experts on Arkema’s stand Hall 6 - C57

(1) To help its customers identify products derived in part or in full from raw materials of renewable origin (over 20% of non-fossil carbon), Arkema has devised the « Arkema Renewables » label. The products’ rate of renewable carbon is assessed by an independent body based on the ASTM 6866 standard. Arkema’s renewable polymers have already been certified by this independent organisation after being assessed for their renewable carbon content.

A global chemical company, Arkema consists of three businesses: Vinyl Products, Industrial Chemicals, and Performance Products. Arkema reported sales of 4.4 billion euros in 2009. Arkema has 13,800 employees in over 40 countries and 7 research centers located in France, the United States and Japan. With internationally recognized brands, Arkema holds leadership positions in its principal markets.