Solvay expands capacity in India

Solvay Specialty Polymers is nearing completion  of a commercial-scale polyethersulfone (PESU) micropowder production line in Panoli, India. This new dedicated world-scale production unit will expand capacity for sub-75 micron Virantage ?  PESU micropowder by several hundred tonnes to support growing demand for epoxy tougheners in the composites industry. Virantage ?  PESU micropowders are used as a formulation additive in a broad range of epoxy composite systems, providing the required damage tolerance and toughness for aerospace, automotive, and other demanding applications. The new capacity, slated for startup in September, is a major commercial line expansion for Virantage ? PESU micropowders. Until now, the company has supplied material globally from a semi-commercial production plant in Alpharetta, Ga. Global demand for PESU tougheners has grown dramatically over the past few years with leading aircraft OEMs such as Boeing and Airbus increasing their use of high-performance composites in commercial aircraft, says Solvay.   www.solvay.com