High Performance Polymers
(now aligned with Methacrylates: Performance Polymers)
The High Performance Polymers Business Unit specializes in the production of customized products and systems made of high-performance polymers and special polyesters. With plants in Darmstadt, Witten, Lenzing (Austria), Magnolia (Arkansas, USA), Aboshi (Japan) and Changchun (China), the Marl-based Business Unit has a workforce of almost 1000 members of staff. Owing to its new areas of operation, the unit’s 2005 sales of € 288 million will considerably increase to about € 400 million in 2006.
For 35 years, High Performance Polymers has been producing high-performance polymers based on polyamide 12, special transparent polyamides and polybutylene terephthalate. Through integration of these polymers in customer- and application-specific systems, the unit expertly services the automotive and apparatus industries, electrical and medical technology, optics, as well as the sports and lifestyle sector. For example, the unit’s polyamide 12 is the most widely used polyamide for fuel lines in the world. Furthermore, its special crystal-clear microcrystalline polyamide is used by eyeglass designers for the manufacture of frames and lenses for sunglasses and sports glasses.
The Business Unit also enjoys global sales of its polyetheretherketone, which it produces at JIDA Degussa in Changchun, China, a company established as part of a joint venture in December 2005. With the high-temperature polymer PEEK*, High Performance Polymers has expanded its product range of high-performance polymers designed to meet extreme mechanical, thermal and chemical requirements. With this product, the Business Unit targets the automotive and electronics end markets and, in particular, the aviation and aerospace industries.
The unit’s polyamide 12 powders are used both as effective additives in paints and for metal coating in demanding applications, such as water supply systems and dishwasher baskets. Copolyamide hotmelt adhesives are used in the textile industry and for the production of coils in the electrical industry.
High Performance Polymers also produces a semi-crystalline rubber, which is used as an auxiliary product in the rubber industry and as a key additive in rubber recycling.
With the world’s most extensive range of technically available cyclical C8 and C12 building blocks, the unit offers its customers in the fragrance industry, for example, a wide variety of synthesis possibilities.
The Films & Foams business line, part of the Business Unit since January 1, 2006, comprises all highly specialized products and services generally offered to only one or a small number of customers. The business line also includes foams, components and materials for the aerospoace industry as well as engineering plastics and fibers.
Further information is available here.
*PEEK is the official abbreviation for polyetheretherketone as defined by ISO 1043.