Heerlen, 7 July 2008 - DSM Elastomers has announced that the
development of Keltan® ACE™ is on schedule. This follows last year’s decision
to invest in the implementation of a new advanced catalyst technology in one
of its existing EPDM facilities in Geleen, the Netherlands.
This new technology, referred to as Keltan ACE technology enables the
production of a new class of innovative Keltan products. ACE is the acronym
for Advanced Catalysis Elastomers.
Herman Dikland, Business Manager for Keltan ACE says: “All engineering
activities have now been completed. With construction formally started after a
ground breaking ceremony on April 24th 2008, we are on schedule for mechanical
completion of the plant by the end of 2008, following a first Keltan ACE
production run.”
Excellent value proposition
The first Keltan ACE products are
set to be available in early 2009. These products will contain high amounts of
2-vinyl-5-norbornene (VNB) as third monomer and provide excellent peroxide
curing efficiency.
Overall, these high-VNB products offer an excellent value proposition, by
opening new opportunities for cost-effective compounding of Keltan
formulations that require peroxide curing. Customers will be able to lower the
amount of peroxide while maintaining material properties and thus improving
the cost/performance balance. Alternatively, compounds can be loaded to a much
higher extent, while maintaining material properties. Moreover, the balance of
physical properties and high temperature resistance can be markedly improved
with this new class of Keltan products.
According to Mr. Dikland, the main applications for this amorphous high-Mooney
product are expected in peroxide cure gasket and hose formulations: “Extensive
studies have demonstrated a multitude of benefits that can be effected with
high-VNB products.
“Apart from the significant savings on cross linking peroxide, the reduction
of peroxide has associated benefits in terms of reduction of bloom, odor,
taste and improvement of electrical properties and heat resistance.
The Keltan ACE catalyst system allows the creation of so-called hyper-branched
structures. The highly branched, high molecular weight polymer strands improve
compound integrity under high-shear conditions (strain hardening), notably in
polymer-rich formulations. This in turn offers improved product appearance at
higher extrusion outputs.
Mr. Dikland concludes: “This addition to our portfolio will further enhance
the reputation of Keltan as a leading EP(D)M brand in the market. The High VNB
products are the first productions in line. Our R&D and Marketing & Sales
departments are currently exploring further innovations for other polymers of
this technology platform.”
About DSM Elastomers
DSM Elastomers is a global supplier of
EP(D)M rubber (Keltan) and TPVs (Sarlink®), with a strong presence on all
continents. Through our global sales organization and distribution network we
provide an extensive range of high quality grades to converters and
compounders around the world. Our position as a dynamic and leading player in
the market enables us to secure a constant supply of highly consistent
materials. Moreover, our sophisticated logistics handling ensures hassle-free
delivery anywhere in the world.
More information can be found at www.keltan.com.
DSM – the Life Sciences and Materials Sciences Company
Royal DSM N.V. creates innovative products and services in
Life Sciences and Materials Sciences that contribute to the quality of
life. DSM’s products and services are used globally in a wide range of markets
and applications, supporting a healthier, more sustainable and more enjoyable
way of life. End markets include human and animal nutrition and health,
personal care, pharmaceuticals, automotive, coatings and paint, electrics and
electronics, life protection and housing. DSM has annual sales of almost EUR
8.8 billion and employs some 23,000 people worldwide. The company is
headquartered in the Netherlands, with
locations on five continents. DSM is listed on Euronext Amsterdam.
More information on DSM can be found at www.dsm.com.
If you have any questions or requests, please contact:
DSM Elastomers EMG
Danielle Willems Nancy van Heesewijk
Communications Manager
Phone +31 164 317 018 Phone +31 46 476 1108
Fax +31 164 317 039 Fax +31 46 476 1197
E-mail nvanheesewijk@emg.nl
E-mail danielle.willems@dsm.com
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