Solvays acquires EPIC Polymers

Solvay acquires EPIC Polymers’ long-fiber thermoplastics (LFT) technology as it expands its offering of high performance lightweighting materials while gaining access to metal replacement of larger automotive semi-structural parts.

Based in Kaiserslautern, Germany, EPIC Polymers GmbH has developed an innovative technology to reinforce high performance thermoplastic polymers with long glass fibers. High demand for sophisticated customized materials with superior mechanical and thermal properties, coupled with high impact resistance, strength and stiffness at elevated temperatures, is driven by the need to reduce fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions.

Having the technology is an important step in the expansion of Solvay Specialty Polymers’ broad offering of materials that are simultaneously light and ultra-performing, according to  Augusto Di Donfrancesco, President of Solvay’s Specialty Polymers Global Business Unit. "We will be able to provide larger semi-structural parts for the automotive sector, our key market, and develop expertise to apply LFT technology to core polymers including KetaSpire PEEK and AvaSpire PAEK, providing further possibilities for metal replacement in other markets such as transportation,” he said

Solvay Specialty Polymers’ products replace metal in an array of demanding automotive under-the-hood components such as hot air ducts, powertrains, engine control units, oil and water modules and conduits, while LFT are typically used to make interior/exterior semi-structural parts.

In addition to PEEK and PAEK polymers, the LFT technology will be applied to Solvay’s Amodel PPA and Ryton PPS portfolio of products and Technyl polyamide 6.6 (PA6.6) range.