Materials Science
Solvay to increase Tecnoflon fluoroelastomer production to meet growing customer demand 25th October 2018
Solvay is set to increase the company’s fluoroelastomer (FKM) production to support global customers’ continuing strong demand for high performance sealing applications. End-use applications in hybrid and low emission internal combustion engines (ICE) and in the semiconductor industry are the key drivers of solid growth.
The recent addition of a brand new state-of-the-art FKM plant in Changshu, China considerably strengthened Solvay’s manufacturing footprint which now stretches worldwide to include the USA, Europe and Asia. Production of specific FKM peroxide curable and bisphenolic terpolymer grades will be increased at Solvay’s sites in Changshu and Spinetta Marengo, Italy. The combined production capacity – at current product mix – will be expanded by 30% by Q4 2019 to sustain the increasing needs of the company’s Tecnoflon FKM customers and end users.
“This unique footprint allows us to strategically manage and interchange manufacturing to be able to concentrate on increasing production where it is most needed. In turn, we will be able to maintain our renowned uninterrupted supply to fully anticipate the needs of our customers,” said Mike Finelli, President of Solvay’s Specialty Polymers global business unit.
Solvay’s Tecnoflon family of fluoroelastomers and perfluoroelastomers is recognised for its unmatched operational temperature range, chemical resistance and reliable performance in the most demanding of environments where high purity and long service life are essential. They are compatible with a wide variety of fluids, lubricants, fuels, chemicals and additives and are designed for challenging sealing applications in aggressive chemical and high heat environments such as those found in the automotive, aerospace, chemical processing industries, oil & gas, semiconductor and energy markets. Typical end use applications include O-rings, seals, gaskets, and complex moulded parts.