Solvay's Cooperation Agreement Renewed

Solvay Renews Collaboration Agreement Solvay and GKN Aerospace have renewed their collaboration agreement. The partnership aims to expand the use of thermoplastic composite materials in aerospace structures. Solvay and GKN Aerospace have extended their collaboration agreement that began in 2017. Under the agreement, both companies are developing a joint thermoplastic composites (TPC) roadmap to explore new materials and manufacturing processes for aerospace structures, while also jointly targeting future strategic high-rate programs. Additionally, Solvay will continue to be GKN Aerospace's preferred supplier for TPC materials. Over the past six years, Solvay and GKN Aerospace have worked on successful projects including the development of a cost-effective AFP TPC fuselage panel that opened the door to primary structure applications, as well as a TPC wing stiffener program that enabled increased TPC use and a one-time manufacturing process resulting in a lighter and more cost-effective part. Fabrizio Ponte, Head of Solvay's Thermoplastic Platform, said, "We are excited to continue our collaboration with GKN Aerospace. Looking ahead, our teams will work on next-generation TPC materials and processes for aerospace applications, including commercial aviation and Advanced Air Mobility. We are specifically focusing on high-rate manufacturing solutions for mid-sized and large structures." Arnt Offringa, Director of GKN Aerospace's Global Technology Centre in the Netherlands, stated: "We are pleased to renew our agreement with Solvay. Lightweight technologies will play a key role in the journey toward more sustainable aviation, and working together has strengthened our technology leadership in thermoplastic innovation. Collaboration will be vital as we continue to push the boundaries of technology to achieve our sustainability goals." GKN Aerospace is among the industry's leading companies in TPC use in aircraft, and Solvay's PEKK composites and PEKK films play an important role in supporting GKN Aerospace's TPC development activities. Source