Solvay increases Tecnoflon production capacity

Solvay S.A. (Brussels, Belgium; www.solvay.com) has decided to increase the production capacity for peroxide-curable (PC) fluoroelastomers, commercialized under the trademark Tecnoflon, in the Solvay Solexis plant at Spinetta Marengo, Italy. Solvay is investing €10 million in the capacity increase, which is expected to start producing in the first half of 2012. Demand for PC fluoroelastomers in the automotive industry is rapidly growing as these polymers withstanding high temperatures and presenting a marked chemical resistance are very well suited for low emission and alternative fuels applications, such as biodiesel which is more demanding for the equipments than conventional mineral diesel. They are also used in systems for alternative fuels containing methanol or ethanol where their low permeability reduces fuel losses, in shaft seals without spring that have less friction and thus higher energy efficiency or in more energy efficient turbo charge hoses as they function at higher temperatures. For their flexibility combined with superior mechanical properties, PC fluoroelastomers are equally used for demanding applications in the aerospace industry and in the aggressive chemical and very hot environments that are common…