Solvay will present its technologically advanced lightweighting material solutions for the manufacture of cost-efficient and high-performance structures for aerospace, automotive, mass transportation, oil and gas, and other industrial end-use applications at the JEC World, which will be held in Paris, from 14-16 May.

The company will exhibit an integrated offering including thermoset and thermoplastic composites, structural foams, adhesives and surfacing, composite matrix films, impact modifiers, tooling, and vacuum bagging consumables. 

New advances in Solvay’s polymer and composites chemistry aim to provide opportunities to accelerate the development of cost-effective lightweight solutions, especially in aerospace and automotive industries. The aim of these materials, designed to replace metal and solid plastic structures, is to increase manufacturing efficiencies and reduce fuel consumption, thereby CO2 emissions, the company reports.

On display

The company’s portfolio includes flexible CFRP blanks for high volume automotive body panel closures such as bonnets, wings and doors.

TegraCore PPSU foams are used as a structural foam core for lightweight sandwich assemblies in insulative and structural components for aircraft cabin and cargo interiors that require superior resistance to damage. The company’s liquid resin infusion technology is targeting aerospace primary structure applications such as wing boxes.

Finally, Ajedium high-performance films and laminates manufactured from a variety of engineering, aromatic and fluorine-based polymers will be on display. These lightweight and durable films may be mono- or multi-layer structures and meet stringent industry requirements regarding low permeability to water, as well as fire and burn-through resistance.

JEC Innovation Award

Solvay has reinforced its leadership position through the alignment of its materials to the fast-rising trend of additive manufacturing (i.e. 3D printing). The company’s capabilities have been acknowledged by a JEC Innovation Award in the Software category.

e-Xstream engineering, an MSC Software Company, and co-winner Solvay launched Digimat Additive Manufacturing, which has been recognised for its innovation and high market potential. Solvay’s expanding 3D printing materials competencies are part of the company’s global leadership in advanced lightweighting solutions utilised mostly in transport at present to replace metals. These advanced solutions are said to help reduce the weight of cars and planes and therefore CO2 emissions, and allow for more design flexibility thereby lowering waste.

Presentation

During the JEC World conference programme, further insights into Solvay’s recent developments in thermoplastic composites will be shared by Marc Doyle, Senior Vice President Research & Innovation for Solvay Composite Materials.

On 14 March, Doyle opens the morning session dedicated to Thermoplastics – Multimaterial Solutions and will highlight how thermoplastic composites can address current and future needs in material selection and processing.

www.solvayspecialtypolymers.com