Evonik Booth at FAKUMA 2009 Focuses on Energy Efficiency

The demand for resource-efficient products is growing, whether to minimize the energy consumption of the end product, simplify work steps and save energy, or use alternative biological raw materials. In response to this trend, Evonik Industries (www.evonik.com) is devoting its tradeshow Booth at this year´s FAKUMA in Friedrichshafen to the theme of energy efficiency. The company offers customized system solutions for high-performance polymers like PEEK and PPA, new technologies with PMMA, and demonstrates the efficient inline coloring of plastics.

CoverForm® and CoolTouch®-new technologies with PLEXIGLAS®
Two years after presenting the project study, Evonik is now launching the CoverForm® surface technology on the market. This system solution developed by Evonik and KraussMaffei enables the manufacture of injection-molded components with a functional surface in just one step. This process lends very high scratch resistance and excellent chemical resistance to PMMA moldings that are designed to meet extremely stringent requirements. The new feature of this system solution is that the coating is applied directly inside the injection mold, rather than in a separate step. The fields of application include covers for cell phones, tachometers, automotive interior parts and household appliances. There will also be a presentation on this technology at the FAKUMA Forum.

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PLEXIGLAS® CoolTouch® is another innovative material from Evonik that contributes to greater energy efficiency, for example in car roof elements. The effect of the heat-reflecting specialty molding compound is particularly noticeable in this application, because the reduced heat buildup inside the vehicle means the air conditioning can cool the air down to a pleasant 20-25°C more swiftly. Since the starting temperature is lower, the air conditioning unit requires less energy, which saves fuel and cuts CO2 emissions.

VESTAMID® Terra-polyamides from renewable materials
Some years ago, Evonik launched several projects to explore the potential of renewable raw materials for manufacturing high-performance polymers. One focus is on developing bio-based polyamides, for obvious reasons: Evonik has been producing polyamides under the VESTAMID® trademark for about 40 years and has comprehensive know-how of their manufacture and uses. Rather than aiming to replace fossil-based products that had long proved their worth, the intention was to specifically extend the range of products and applications. The result is VESTAMID® Terra-a group of polyamides whose monomers are partially or entirely based on renewable raw materials. VESTAMID® Terra comprises PA610, PA1010 and PA1012, which have different property profiles and close gaps in the range of properties previously accessible to polyamides. Bio-based polyamides can be used even for extreme applications. VESTAMID® HTplus, a particularly high-performance polyphthalamide (PPA) which can permanently withstand extreme temperatures above 180°C, will also be offered as a bio-based version in the summer of 2009. Polyamides of biological origin have also been registered as a theme for the FAKUMA Forum.

Plastic-rubber composite free from adhesives now also with PPA
Evonik has launched another highly successful development in the form of a plastic-rubber composite that contains no adhesive. This process dispenses with the application of adhesive and the need for protective measures against the usual solvent emissions and their environmentally friendly disposal. The heat-resistant molding compounds VESTAMID® HTplus R1033 with 30 % glass fiber and VESTAMID® HTplus R1035 with 50 % glass fiber were specially developed for producing parts exposed to high temperatures. Compared with PA66 and PA612, VESTAMID® HTplus shows greater strength, especially in contact with moisture, and greater rigidity, as well as a high long-term heat deflection temperature up to 150°C (ISO 2578) and a low tendency to creep. Owing to its high heat deflection temperature, PPA enables even thin thermoplastic parts containing rubber to be vulcanized up to 200°C without deformation of the plastic part.

POLYTREND®-one-step coloring and fabrication
With the liquid color system POLYTREND®, Evonik offers the plastics industry maximum flexibility in its choice of colors. The dedicated hardware and well-defined selection of base colors has made online coloring child´s play. The rapid online color change with the POLYTREND® liquid color system will be demonstrated at the tradeshow booth.

FAKUMA 2009, Friedrichshafen, 13.-17.10.2009, Hall A4, St. 4117

Evonik Industries AG, Essen, Germany

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