Solvay acquires European Carbon Fiber GmbH
The strategic acquisition of European Carbon Fiber enables Solvay to develop a portfolio of large-tow carbon fibers to complement its existing range of pitch and PAN aerospace grade carbon fibers.
#precursor #polyacrylonitrile
Solvay Composite Materials (Alpharetta, Ga.) has acquired European Carbon Fiber GmbH (ECF), a German producer of high-quality precursor for large-tow (50K) polyacrylonitrile (PAN) carbon fibers. With this acquisition, Solvay is building the foundations to lead the adoption of composites in automotive applications, to serve select industrial markets, and to support the potential adoption of large-tow fibers in aerospace.
“The strategic acquisition of ECF enables Solvay to develop a portfolio of large-tow carbon fibers to complement our existing range of pitch and PAN aerospace grade carbon fibers. This comprehensive portfolio will place Solvay as a key supplier to the aerospace, automotive and industrial markets going forward. Thanks to this acquisition Solvay will leverage its polymers and materials science competencies to drive breakthrough innovation in large-tow carbon fibers,” stated Carmelo Lo Faro, president of Solvay’s Composite Materials Global Business Unit (GBU).
Vertical integration into large-tow carbon fiber technology will position Solvay to ensure cost effective long-term security of supply to its customers.
RELATED CONTENT
-
The first commercial Type V composite pressure vessel
Composites Technology Development's first commercial tank in the Type V category presages growth of filament winding in storage of compressed gases.
-
787 integrates new composite wing deicing system
The composite wing leading edge on Boeing’s Dreamliner features an integrated heating element that incorporates a sprayed metal conductive layer within the laminate stack.
-
Colored carbon fiber
Options for adding color have been around for decades, but new products are hoping to up the ante and open new markets.