New Solvay materials, processes designed for industrialization

Editor’s note: CompositesWorld received several new product and technology announcements ahead of JEC World 2020, which had been scheduled for March 3-5. Although that exhibition was postponed to May, CW is now publishing the announcements we received. This is one of them.

Solvay (Alpharetta, Ga., U.S.) is launching and promoting materials and processes developed for industrialized processes:

• CYCOM EP2750 is a prepreg technology developed for the high-rate, efficient manufacture of aerospace primary structure parts. This prepreg and associated process are said to be competitive with machined aluminum and enable the manufacture of aerospace standard complex small to medium parts. Representative parts will be on display on Solvay’s stand M41. This technology is a finalist in the JEC World Innovation Awards.
• Double Diaphragm Forming (DDF) automated technology, as demonstrated on a pilot line recently unveiled at Solvay’s Application center in Heanor, U.K., enables a sub 3-min. takt time (from raw material to cured part) when combined with SolvaLite fast curing resin systems. Visitors can watch a video at Solvay’s stand showcasing the new demonstrator line and its result for an automotive inner door structure manufactured using SolvaLite 710-1.
• Solvay’s Evolite F series thermoplastic composite tapes have been developed for demanding offshore oil and gas applications. They combine the corrosion resistance of Solef PVDF with the high strength performance of carbon fiber, ideal for lightweight flexible pipes and risers at a lower cost of ownership. A design for an oil and gas offshore flexible pipe can be seen at the booth.
• Also on display are third-generation aerospace structural prepreg and engineered materials for added functionality (including noise dampening and lightning strike protection), making the switch from metal to composites more cost effective. A displayed Clean Sky 2 fuselage panel demonstrate sSolvay’s ability to support customers and R&D projects with material developments tailored to the project needs.
• Learn about Solvay’s textiles and resin systems for infusion engineered for maximized performance, processability and automation compatibility while enabling structural integration and design freedom.
• The company is showcasing its 3D printing capabilities, which enable rapid, just-in-time production of functional prototypes, spare parts, and even small series, especially with challenging designs.
• KetaSpire PEEK, also available with carbon fiber reinforcement, is said to provide optimum fatigue and chemical resistance as well as excellent mechanical properties at very high or low temperatures. Solvay's tailor-made filaments for Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) allow better fusion of layers, enable high part density and offer exceptional part strength, even in the z-axis. On display are a selection of 3D-printed parts for aerospace or oil and gas applications.