Arkema has successfully started up a Kepstan Poly-Ether-Ketone-Ketone (PEKK) plant at Axis located in Mobile County in Alabama, US. Recently inaugurated, this investment is a new step in Arkema’s ambitious growth strategy in high-performance polymers and advanced materials, the development of which is supported by the group’s cutting-edge technologies.

Apart from PEKK Kepstan resins, the new plant will also manufacture plastics additives, said Arkema in a press release.

This investment, which complements the doubling of Kepstan PEKK resin capacities in France in 2017, supports the strong demand for carbon fibre reinforced composites and 3D printing. It confirms Arkema’s wish to strengthen its offering of advanced materials in the most demanding markets such as aeronautics, oil and gas, electronics and automotive, and the group’s commitment to lightweight materials, which is one of its six innovation platforms for sustainable development.

The Kepstan PEKK resins range features excellent mechanical, chemical, fire and abrasion resistance. These resins also accommodate a wide range of processing technologies, particularly in the field of 3D printing where they are uniquely suited for powder sintering and filament extrusion processes. 

Parts made of Kepstan reinforced carbon fibre PEKK, replacing metal for structural parts of future generations of aircraft, will provide lightweight materials including faster production cycles in the aeronautics and defense sectors.

“This new capacity, which has been brought on line on schedule, will enable our customers and their customers to better meet the future demand for ever more efficient materials. We thank our customers, our partners and the users who have trusted us and very early on selected Kepstan PEKK in their respective markets,” said Christophe André, vice president, advanced materials for Arkema. (PC)