Solvay has signed a supply agreement with Zotefoams to supply PVDF foams for aerospace applications

Polymer and composite materials producer Solvay has signed a long-term agreement with Zotefoams to supply

Solef polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) to the company. Zotefoams is the world's largest manufacturer of lightweight

crosslinked polyolefin bulk foams with a focus on innovative technology foams. This product will be used in the production

of Zotefoams' Zotek F range of high performance closed cell crosslinked aerospace foams.

 

                                     

The collaboration will target a wide range of applications inside aerospace, including piping, carpet backing, environmental

control systems and insulation materials, where light weight, high flame retardant and cost-effective processability are critical.

"This agreement is the starting point for our partnership with Zotefoams in terms of supply security, quality and innovation,"

said Mark Doyle, Executive Vice President of Solvay's Aerospace and Defense Materials business. "Thanks to Solef PVDF, we are

able to expand polymer materials into another challenging market segment, offering exciting new prospects for weight reduction

and noise and vibration management of internal components. We are delighted to partner with Zotefoams and hope to help the

aviation industry achieve its sustainability goals."

Solef PVDF is inherently flame retardant and offers high purity, strong mechanical properties, electrochemical stability and a wide

range of chemical resistance at high temperatures. This special polymer has been successful in various markets, including the

fast-growing automotive lithium-ion battery. When made into a lightweight closed-cell crosslinked foam, it is possible to achieve

up to 70% weight reduction inside the aircraft while meeting stringent aerospace standards.

James Bridges, Head of High Performance Products at Zotefoams, commented: "PVDF foam is an ideal material for a wide range of

applications inside aerospace and we are very pleased that this agreement provides our customers with supply security during unpredictable

times. As the commercial aviation industry moves towards stringent carbon reduction targets, the lightweight capabilities of the Zotek F

are more in demand than ever, so the announcement of our partnership with Solvay could not be more timely."