MATERIALS | FOAMED SHEET


James Bridges, director of high-performance


products at Zotefoams, added: “As the commercial aviation sector strives to meet stringent carbon reduction targets, the lightweighting capabilities of Zotek F are more in demand than ever, so this partnership could not be more timely.” The material is manufactured at Solvay sites in


North America, Europe and Asia – to the same standards of purity and consistency. Its worldwide availability gives it a high level of global supply security, says the company.


Above: Microcell technology from Promix can be used to create micro- cellular foamed sheet


kg/m3 , glued to a galvanized steel sheet 1mm thick.


The foam is offered in a range of thicknesses, available on request. Thicknesses from 3mm to 10mm can be certified according to standard EN13501-1:2019 on demand.


Cutting material costs At this year’s Fakuma, Promix Solutions presented ways of foaming, mixing and cooling polymer melts. Its aim was to cut raw material costs, reduce carbon footprint and raise production capacity. For instance, its Microcell technology, which


creates a microcellular foam structure in the polymer by adding atmospheric gases (N2


CO2 and


). This reduces product weight by 20-50%, which saves on raw materials. The technology is suitable for a range of


products, including packaging films, sheets, foam core and corrugated pipes as well as profiles, cable sheathing and blown films. It can be used for many raw materials – including PP, PE, PET, TPE, TPU, PA, hard and soft PVC and bioplastics. It is available for both new extrusion lines and as a retrofit.


PVDF supply Solvay has signed a long-term agreement with Zotefoams – a manufacturer of lightweight cross-linked polyolefin block foams – for the supply of its Solef polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). Zotefoams will use the material to make its Zotek F high-performance closed cell crosslinked aerospace foam. It will be used for a range of aerospace interior applications including ducting, carpet underlay and insulation. “This opens exciting new perspectives for


weight reduction as well as noise and vibration management for interior components,” said Marc Doyle, executive vice president for aerospace and defense at Solvay. Solef PVDF is inherently flame retardant and combines high of purity with good mechanical properties. It can provide weight savings of up to 70% in aircraft interiors, says the company.


32 FILM & SHEET EXTRUSION | December 2023


Jacket JV Flexible foam specialist Armacell has established a joint venture with AIS – which makes fire protection systems – to manufacture insulating jackets in the US.


No details were revealed about the commercial terms of the deal.


“Both companies have a track record in insula- tion and energy conservation,” said Ciro Ahumada, vice president for the Americas at Armacell. The joint venture company, Armacell AIS, will


operate from Armacell’s existing facility in Yukon, Oklahoma. It will manufacture and sell thermal insulation jackets for the US heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) market, as well as acoustic and passive fire protection jackets. Andrew Bennion, managing director of AIS, added: “By combining our technologies, we are confident of providing our customers with state-of- the-art jacketing solutions.”


Carpenter acquisition US-based Carpenter has acquired the engineered foams division of Recticel. This includes the former Foam Partner and Otto Bock operations. Carpenter says the acquisition creates the world’s largest vertically integrated manufacturer of polyurethane foams and speciality polymer products. “We are excited to welcome the employees of


Recticel, Foam Partner and Otto Bock,” said Brad Beauchamp, CEO of Carpenter. “Combining these businesses with ours will result in the best flexible foam company throughout all market segments and geographic locations.”


CLICK ON THE LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: � www.sekisuialveo.com � www.promix-solutions.com � www.solvay.com � www.zotefoams.com � www.armacell.com � www.carpenter.com


www.filmandsheet.com


IMAGE: PROMIX


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