- Solvay is investing EUR 10 million to increase Tecnoflon production capacity.
- The expansion is at the Spinetta Marengo plant in Italy.
- Production is expected to start in the first half of 2012.
- Tecnoflon is used in automotive, aerospace, and oil industries.
Investment and Expansion
Solvay is investing EUR 10 million to increase the production capacity for Peroxide Curable Fluoroelastomers, known as Tecnoflon®, at its Spinetta Marengo plant in Italy. The expanded production is expected to commence in the first half of 2012.
Rising Demand in Automotive Industry
The automotive industry is driving the demand for PC Fluoroelastomers due to their ability to withstand high temperatures and their marked chemical resistance. These properties make them ideal for low emission and alternative fuel applications, such as biodiesel, which is more demanding on equipment than conventional mineral diesel. They are also used in systems for alternative fuels containing methanol or ethanol, where their low permeability reduces fuel losses. Additionally, they are utilized in shaft seals without springs, which have less friction and thus higher energy efficiency, and in more energy-efficient turbo charge hoses that function at higher temperatures.
Applications in Aerospace and Oil Industries
PC Fluoroelastomers are also valued in the aerospace industry and in the oil and gas extraction sectors for their flexibility combined with superior mechanical properties. These materials perform well in aggressive chemical and very hot environments, making them suitable for demanding applications in these industries.
