Arkema exhibits its product line dedicated to nanomaterials at the Tokyo Nanotech tradeshow from February 15th to 17th 2012

02/06/2012    Press Release

A global chemical player and acknowledged leader in the development of nanomaterials, Arkema confirms its ongoing commitment to developing nanomaterials with three product groups: the Graphistrength® range of carbon nanotubes, and the Nanostrength® range of acrylic block copolymers, developed from its BlocBuilder® radical polymerization technology. Arkema will be also showcasing two innovations developed from its R&D and know-how in the nanostructuring of materials: the Altuglas ShieldUp® PMMA sheet, particularly resistant to impact, and Apolhya™ Solar, a thermoplastic designed for the encapsulation of new generation photovoltaic modules.

- Graphistrength® carbon nanotubes facilitate processing during the manufacture of compounds and liquid dispersions, while imparting outstanding electrical conductivity and/or mechanical strength to the materials. Arkema has developed an innovative technology that produces solid masterbatches with very high nanotube concentrations (up to 45% by weight) for aqueous liquid dispersions, thermosets, and recently polyurethanes, for use in applications such as ink, paint, and composites. This provides customers with flexibility in fine-tuning their formulations, using a cost-effective solution.

- Nanostrength® acrylic block copolymers help nanostructure polymers in order to enhance their performances. They are incorporated as an additive into certain thermoplastic or thermoset matrices to help modify their structuring on a nanometer scale and so produce unique properties, e.g. superior mechanical strength, without losing the inherent properties of the matrices such as thermal resistance, transparency, and chemical stability. Arkema is currently the world’s only chemicals producer to market such a product range, which it is expanding steadily.

- The Altuglas® ShieldUp sheet is a new nanostructured acrylic glass based on Blocbuilder® technology, which is « meshed » and organized on a nanometer scale in order to maximize its properties. This results in more lightweight glazing (50% lighter than glass) combining sturdiness and transparency at any temperature. This combination of properties considerably expands the traditional fields of application of PMMA in industries such as aeronautics, automotive and safety glazing.

- Arkema’s latest innovation dedicated to the photovoltaics market: Apolhya™ Solar, a nanostructured thermoplastic polymer designed for the encapsulation of new generation photovoltaic modules. Apolhya™ Solar combines thermomechanical, adhesiveness and creep resistance properties with perfect transparency.

Visit us on our booth C-27

A global chemical company and France’s leading chemicals producer, Arkema is building the future of the chemical industry every day. Deploying a responsible, innovation-based approach, we produce state-of-the-art specialty chemicals that provide customers with practical solutions to such challenges as climate change, access to drinking water, the future of energy, fossil fuel preservation and the need for lighter materials. With operations in more than 40 countries, 15,700 employees and 9 research centers, Arkema generates annual revenue of €5.9 billion, and holds leadership positions in all its markets with a portfolio of internationally recognized brands. The world is our inspiration.