Arkema’s « Functional Additives » Business Unit will provide two oral communications on April 23 during which it will showcase its complete range of plastic additives for wood/PVC composites, as well as a brand new generation of acrylic impact modifiers for rigid PVC in window profile applications. On April 24 a third lecture will be given on the various assets of organic peroxides in emulsion vs solid percarbonates.

Conference: « Wood/PVC Composites Formulation Optimisation »

Wood/plastic composites are new innovative materials containing 50 to 70% of wood flour (a 100% renewable bioresource) and 30 to 50% of polymer (PVC, PE, PP). These composites are enjoying rapid expansion, accounting for close to 1 million tons in the US, although just 60-80,000 tons in Europe. Estimations predict that by 2015 Europe will have caught up with the US. Arkema’s objective is (i) to demonstrate that PVC is clearly the best polymer matrix for these “green” composite materials, and (ii) offer optimized PVC/wood formulations by capitalizing on its wide range of PVC additives, in particular Thermolite® tin stabilizers, Plastistrength® processing aids, and Durastrength® acrylic impact modifiers.

Conference: « Composite Acrylic Impact Modifier: the Latest Innovation in PVC Window Profiles Impact Strengthening »

Arkema will introduce a new generation of acrylic impact modifiers (Durastrength®) for rigid PVC window profile applications. The first grade of this innovative acrylic impact modifier platform, Durastrength® 360, will allow window profile manufacturers to enhance production efficiency and reduce acrylic impact modifier use-level by up to 15% in PVC window formulations, thus offering improved value-in-use. This new technology platform will support the Functional Additives growth strategy in the rapidly growing construction markets of East European countries.

Conference: « Emulsions of Peroxides as the Safest and the Most Efficient Form of Initiator for S-PVC »

Organic peroxide emulsions have brought huge benefits to PVC producers the world over. The safety aspect in particular has been significantly improved by the presence of water acting as a desensitizing agent in the event of decomposition. Liquid peroxides have also proved much more effective than solid peroxides which have a low active oxygen content. In terms of quality, emulsions help minimize the risk of fish eye on the resin.
Finally, the Term-N-ator® P shortstopper will be presented, including its benefits in terms of performance, resin quality, and toxicity.

France's leading chemical company and a global chemical player, Arkema consists of 3 coherent and related business segments: Vinyl Products, Industrial Chemicals, and Performance Products. Present in over 40 countries with 15,200 employees, Arkema achieves sales of 5.7 billion euros. With its 6 research centers in France, the United States and Japan, and internationally recognized brands, Arkema holds leadership positions in its principal markets.

CONTACTS :
Plastic Additives Technical & Scientific Manager: Philippe Hajji

Tel: +33 4 72 89 93 59 / philippe.hajji@arkema.com

Durastrength® and Plastistrength® Acrylic Additives Business Manager: Claude Granel

Tel: +33 1 49 00 88 26 /claude.granel@arkema.com 

Polymerization Application Technical Manager: Sophie Caminade

Tel: +33 4 72 39 80 93 / sophie.caminade@arkema.com

Business Director Europe Organic Peroxides and Catalysts: Pascal Leroy

Tel: +33 1 49 00 88 01 / pascal-v.leroy@arkema.com