Solvay to increase fluoroelastomer production

Milan, Italy – Solvay SA is set to increase its fluoroelastomer (FKM) production globally to support growing demand for the material in sealing applications, the company has announced.

Production of specific FKM peroxide curable and bisphenolic terpolymer grades in being increased at its sites in Changshu, China and Spinetta Marengo, Italy, said a 24 Oct statement.

The combined production capacity – at current product mix – will be expanded by 30% by fourth quarter of 2019, according to Solvay.

The move, it said, was in response to increasing demand for its FKM products - fluoroelastomer materials have been in tight supply globally for much of this year, ERJ has previously reported.

Applications in hybrid and low-emission internal combustion engines and in the semiconductor industry are driving up FKM demand, noted Solvay.

The expansions, said Mike Finelli, president of Solvay’s Specialty Polymers global business unit, will create a “unique footprint” which will allow Solvay to strategically manage and interchange manufacturing.

Solvay’s Tecnoflon fluoroelastomers and perfluoroelastomers are widely used for their resistance to heat and chemicals, particularly in automotive, aerospace and chemical processing applications.