Evonik Expands Laurolactam Capacity in Marl

Germany-based Evonik Industries AG (www.evonik.com) will invest a two-digit million Euro figure to expand laurolactam production capacity significantly at its Marl site. The new capacity should be available in the second half of 2009. Plans for a further capacity expansion have already begun. Laurolactam is the starting material for the polymer polyamide 12, which is enjoying steadily growing demand in new markets.

"This investment project gives us what we need to further bolster our globally leading market position in polyamide 12," says Dr. Klaus Engel, member of the Executive Board of Evonik Industries responsible for the Chemicals Business Area.

Advert

The High Performance Polymers Business Line markets polyamide 12 as an engineering material under the brand name VESTAMID® and as a powder under the name VESTOSINT®. Demand for both products has been rising steadily over the last few years. "The VESTAMID® success story was born forty-five years ago; since then, we´ve been continually developing the product and increasing production capacity," recalls Dr. Joachim Leluschko, who heads the business line. "Having reached the global number-one position in polyamide line systems for cars, we´re now expanding our business to include large-diameter pipes."

VESTAMID® is the first polyamide 12 to receive Lloyd´s Register approval for production of flexible risers for transporting offshore production and injection fluids. Successful long-term trials on VESTAMID® gas pipes are now making it possible to exploit the advantages of plastic up to a pressure range of 20 bar in gas distribution systems. These plastic pipes can thus replace steel pipes. The relining sector for piping repairs also has high market potential.

In addition to polyamide 12, Evonik also produces polyamide 612 and polyamide 12 elastomer molding compounds (PEBA) under the VESTAMID® brand name, as well as polyamides based on renewable raw materials. The product range includes the TROGAMID® transparent specialty polyamides and the VESTAMELT® copolyamide hot-melt adhesives. With its VESTAKEEP® polyetheretherketone, the business line has penetrated the segment of high-performance polymers that must satisfy extremely stringent mechanical, thermal, and chemical requirements. Other polymers in this sector will follow.

The High Performance Polymers Business Line serves all major markets. Its core competence is making custom products that meet the needs of customers. Its global sales network, its service centers in Europe, North America, and Asia, and its comprehensive technical service ensure the worldwide availability of its high performance polymers and semifinished products, as well as professional technical support.

Evonik Industries AG, Essen, Germany

back to news list