- The 400 ton/year CNT plant will start in early 2011.
- The plant will use an entirely bio-sourced raw material.
- Arkema's Lacq facility produces 20 ton/year of CNTs under the Graphistrength® trademark.
- Arkema has partnerships in electronics, transport, renewable energies, and energy storage.
Introduction
Arkema is constructing a carbon nanotube (CNT) pilot production plant at its Mont site in France, with a capacity of 400 tons per year. The plant is scheduled to start operations at the beginning of 2011 and will use an entirely bio-sourced raw material.
Research and Development
In 2003, Arkema initiated a research project to explore CNTs and their applications. By 2006, the company had established a pilot laboratory at its Lacq facility, capable of producing 20 tons per year of CNTs under the Graphistrength® trademark. Arkema has developed innovative masterbatches that enhance the properties of various thermoplastic, elastomer, and thermoset matrices.
Health and Safety
Arkema has implemented a CNT-specific health-safety-environment initiative from the project's inception. This initiative is based on prevention, continuous knowledge acquisition, and transparency with stakeholders, following the advice of the January 2009 French Public Health Council.
Partnerships and Applications
Arkema has established numerous partnerships across sectors such as electronics, transport, renewable energies (wind, photovoltaics), and energy storage (batteries, supercapacitors). These collaborations focus on developing applications that require enhanced electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and mechanical strength.
Development Programs
For the past three years, Arkema has been involved in major development programs to assist companies in innovating with nanostructured materials. As part of the GENESIS program launched in June 2008, Arkema supports both major groups and SMEs in industries like automotive, cable manufacture, composites, energy, and environment, leveraging the unique properties of carbon nanotubes.
