Arkema is actively developing its new Kepstan® PEKK (Poly-Ether-Ketone-Ketone) ultra high performance polymer with applications in the fields of carbon fiber composites and 3D printing. Success in these fields has prompted Arkema to increase its production capacities in France now and in the United States in the near future.
In order to meet growing demand in carbon fiber composites and in 3D printing, Arkema announces that it is to double its production capacities in France by the first half of 2016.
Furthermore, the Group plans to build a worldscale PEKK production plant on its Mobile site (Alabama, United States) that would be scheduled to come on stream in the second half of 2018.
PEKK stands out from the PAEK (Poly-Aryl-Ether-Ketone) family by its extensive range of processing technologies and excellent thermomechanical behavior.
PEKK complements Arkema’s range of thermoplastic resins and broadens their range of applications in the aerospace, energy and electronics sectors, in which Arkema is already highly present through its Rilsan® (PA11) and Kynar® (PVDF) specialty polymers, as well as its Elium® acrylic resins.
Arkema will showcase its Composites offering in its booth (n° D41) at the JEC Europe trade show from 11 to 13 March 2015.
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 close to 50 countries, some 19,000 employees and research centers in North America, France and Asia, Arkema generates pro forma annual revenue of some €7.6 billion, and holds leadership positions in all its markets with a portfolio of internationally recognized brands.