Arkema enhances its Evatane® product range

Following research and development work, Arkema plans to launch a new Evatane® grade combining high Vinyl Acetate content - 40% - and a low Melt Flow Index (MFI below 3). "These two parameters are difficult to combine. This new grade, blended with other products, will help produce a cable with sound mechanical properties – compared to a standard 40% EVA – and very good resistance to oil" explains Frédéric Vartician, General Manager of the Functional Polyolefins business.

Standard 40% EVAs normally feature high fluidity. However, in most cases this type of product does not comply with the minimum thresholds demanded by the cable market regarding elongation at break and tensile strength.

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Currently undergoing testing under the test name Evatane® X0601, the new grade is scheduled to be launched on the market at the end of 2007. The main market targeted by this grade is oilresistant crosslinked cable and flexible cable.

Evatane® resins are ethylene copolymers with a high vinyl acetate content (18 % to 42 %). More of an elastomer than a polyethylene, they are easy to process and are compatible with a large number of polymers.

Evatane® copolymers are used in many industrial applications, including hotmelt glues, cable, multilayer packaging film, encapsulating film for solar panels, in-car soundproofing, shoe soles, petroleum additives, bitumen, masterbatches and ink.

A global chemical player, Arkema consists of 3 coherent and related business segments: Vinyl Products, Industrial Chemicals, and Performance Products. Present in over 40 countries with 17,000 employees, Arkema achieves sales of 5.7 billion euros. With its 6 research centers in France, the United States and Japan, and internationally recognized brands, Arkema holds leadership positions in its principal markets.

Arkema, Paris/France