Solvay and Zotefoams Enter into Partnership

Solvay and Zotefoams Sign Supply Agreement Solvay and Zotefoams have signed a long-term supply agreement for advanced cellular material solutions based on Solef® PVDF in aerospace and space applications. The partnership opens exciting new perspectives in weight reduction and noise and vibration management for aircraft cabin interiors. Solvay, a leading firm in polymer and composite materials, has signed a long-term agreement with Zotefoams, the world's largest producer of lightweight cross-linked polyolefin foam blocks and specialist in innovative technical foams, for the supply of Solef® polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). Solef® will be used to produce Zotefoams' ZOTEK® F high-performance closed-cell cross-linked aerospace foam series. The partnership will target a broad range of aircraft interior applications including ducts, carpet backing, environmental control systems and insulation, where low weight, high flame retardancy and cost-effective processability are critical. Marc Doyle, Vice President General Manager Aerospace & Defence at Solvay Materials Business, said: "This agreement is a starting point for a partnership based on collaboration on supply security, quality and innovation." "Through Solef® PVDF, in addition to weight reduction, we are opening exciting new perspectives for noise and vibration management for interior components and extending the reach of our polymers into another challenging market segment. We are excited to partner with Zotefoams to help the aircraft industry achieve its ambitious environmental and sustainability targets." Solef® PVDF is inherently flame retardant and combines high purity with solid mechanical properties, electrochemical stability and broad chemical resistance at elevated temperatures. This specialty polymer has a proven track record of success in various markets including rapidly growing lithium-ion batteries for automotive. Engineered to deliver lightweight closed-cell cross-linked foams, this polymer can provide weight savings of up to 70% in aircraft interiors while meeting the strictest aerospace standards. James Bridges, Director of High Performance Products at Zotefoams, said: "PVDF foam is an ideal material for numerous applications in the interiors of air and spacecraft, and we are pleased that this agreement provides our customers with supply security at unpredictable times." "As the commercial aviation sector strives to meet strict carbon reduction targets, the lightweight properties of ZOTEK F are seeing greater demand than ever, so the announcement of our partnership with Solvay could not have come at a more timely moment. We look forward to working together to explore new horizons with Solef® PVDF-based cellular materials." Solef® PVDF, produced to the same purity and consistency standards at Solvay's facilities in North America, Europe and Asia, is available worldwide and offers a high level of global supply security. Source