1 Jun 2009
ERJ staff report (DS)
Paris -- Arkema has introduced a self-healing elastomer material under the name, Reverlink. It is based on chemistry developed at the Paris Ecole Supérieure de Physique et Chimie Industrielles (ESPCI) Matière Molle et Chimie Laboratory. The company has initial capacity for around 100 tonnes/year. Arkema is currently investigating potential applications.
In February 2008 Arkema announced the joint development with ESPCI to commecialise their self-healing rubber based on the concept of supramolecular chemistry. Arkema will now begin the industrial production of the first high-performance materials derived from this chemistry. A comprehensive range of supramolecular materials and additives will be marketed under the trademark Reverlink.
During the past twelve months, Arkema has been fine-tuning pilot plant processes capable of producing the materials on a semi-industrial scale. The production plant, based in France at the Feuchy facility (Pas-de-Calais), boasts an annual capacity of almost 100 tonnes. These new supramolecular materials are composed of at least 60% fatty acid oligomers derived from vegetable oils. Their production is part of Arkema's strategy to increase the use of renewable raw materials.
The self-healing elastomer technology offers opportunities wherever an elastomer part is likely to suffer damage from micro-cracks or deep grooves. Many industrial applications are being explored: conveyor belts, sealing joints, impact protection, insulation and shock-absorbing layers, industrial gloves, anti-corrosion coatings for metal, and formulation additives for adhesives, bitumen, organic binders, paints, varnishes, pastes and sealants. Over 30 confidentiality agreements have already been signed between Arkema and industrial partners relating to possible developments in supramolecular chemistry.
Arkema has developed a comprehensive range of products with self-repairing characteristics tailored to several application areas. The Reverlink™ range today comprises ten grades of supramolecular elastomers featuring optimum self-healing characteristics, products for traditional polymer modification, and various specialty additives.
Previous story from ERJ (Feb 2008)
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Press release from Arkema
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