Arkema Inc. in North America

Arkema Inc. Appoints The M.F. Cachat Company as Distributor

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 01:00:00 EST

Specialty line of Biostrength® products now available to biopolymer market faster and more efficiently.

Arkema Inc. and The M.F. Cachat Company have announced a joint agreement for the distribution of Arkema’s Biostrength® modifiers to the biopolymer market.

M.F. Cachat will distribute Biostrength® impact modifiers and melt flow aids in the U.S. where M.F. Cachat has representation.

“We are very eager to expand the product lines that M.F. Cachet is distributing for us,” stated Peggy Sharp, Business Director for the Sustainability Additives Division of Arkema Inc. “The M.F. Cachat Company is an established distributor in the plastics compounding market, and brings technical expertise, market knowledge and improved logistics tailored for our biopolymer compounding customers.”

Arkema’s product lines offer impact resistance for clear and opaque PLA while aiding in processability. Shifting the distribution of these products allows Arkema to focus on producing new, innovative and efficient products to meet the market’s growing demands.

John Mastrantoni, President of The M.F.Cachat Company is proud to be working with Arkema as a supplier partner. “Our goal is to represent the market leaders in any technology we promote,” Mastrantoni explains. “We believe the team effort that will evolve from this relationship will bring our customers benefit from the technical and commercial value we collectively offer.”

To learn more about these products, contact Melissa Simon at 800-729-8900 ext. 284 of The M.F. Cachat Company, or visit Arkema’s website at www.additives-arkema.com, or The M.F. Cachat Company website at www.mfcachat.com.

First Commercial Rilsan® PA11 Gas Pipe Installation

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 01:00:00 EST

Arkema reports the recent installation of a 6OOO-ft Rilsan^® PA11 gas pipeline by a gas utility to replace an older corroded steel pipeline. Rilsan^® PA11 was chosen because it eliminates the need for expensive cathodic protection and maintenance and has a total installed cost comparable to that of steel pipe. Arkema also reports that based on the success of this installation, another 10.5 mile pipeline using Rilsan^® PA11 to replace corroded steel pipe has recently been completed.

Rilsan^® PA11, the first high-performance polyamide resin allowed by the US DOT in piping systems for high pressure natural gas distribution

After more than 10 years of extensive laboratory research, study and application testing, Arkema’s Rilsan^® PA11 is the first high-performance polyamide allowed in the United States for pipelines conveying high pressure natural gas in regulated distribution markets. Since late December 2008, the US Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has allowed Rilsan^® PA11 to be used for pipe up to 4-inch in diameter at operating pressures up to 200 psig.
Rilsan^® PA11, a cost, performances and environmental efficient solution for piping systems

Rilsan^® PA11 pipe offers all the installation and cost advantages of conventional polyethylene, including coiled pipe that can be plowed or planted, butt-fusion and electro-fusion joints, and squeeze-off ability, all at the operating pressures of steel.

Corrosion-free pipe made from Rilsan^® PA11 is a cost-efficient solution to replace older steel and cast-iron mains and services lines. Operating and maintenance costs are significantly reduced because cathodic protection is not required, eliminating the risk of leaks from corrosion.

Rilsan^® PA11’s 100% renewable non-food-crop origin combined with the Rcycle^® service, Arkema’s recycling program that covers the product’s entire lifecycle, should appeal to gas companies concerned with eco-design.

Rilsan^® PA11 gas pipe requires no special DOT waiver
This first commercial installation was completed without any special permits or waivers. Rilsan^® PA11 was chosen in part due to eliminating the need for expensive cathodic protection and maintenance. Indeed, the total installed cost of this project was comparable to that of steel pipe thanks to an installation time roughly one-third that of the steel. Furthermore, since the pipe needs no cathodic maintenance, the lifetime ownership costs are far less than steel. Based on the success of this installation, another 10.5 mile installation using Rilsan^® PA11 to replace corrode steel has recently been completed.

With global brands like Rilsan^® and Pebax^®, products from renewable resources like Rilsan^® Polyamide 11, Rilsan^® HT, Pebax^® Rnew and Platamid^® Rnew, and leading capacities in Rilsan^® Polyamide 11 and 12, Arkema’s Technical Polymers stand out in the industry by providing customers with global coverage and superior regional service from production facilities and research centers in Europe, Asia, and the USA. Arkema has more than 30 years of experience and innovation serving the automotive industry, offering a wide range of advanced materials designed to match current and future specifications. Arkema’s Technical Polymers business is the acknowledged leader in bio-based high performance polyamides such as world-renowned Rilsan^® polyamide 11 and Rilsan^® HT, a new PPA-based high temperature polyphtalamide launched recently.

A global chemical company and France’s leading chemical producer, Arkema consists of three business segments: Vinyl Products, Industrial Chemicals, and Performance Products. Present in over 40 countries with 13,800 employees, Arkema achieved sales of 4.4 billion euros in 2009. With its seven research centers in France, the United States and Japan, and internationally recognized brands, Arkema holds leadership positions in its principal markets.

Arkema Launching Enhanced Quality Medical Grade Pebax® Resin

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 01:00:00 EST

Continuing its commitment to the medical industry, Arkema is launching enhanced grade Pebax® MED resins for medical device applications. These grades represent the highest quality of Pebax® polymers for medical applications, including devices exposed short term to bodily fluids (<30 days). Effective January 1, 2011 Arkema will no longer offer standard grade Pebax® SA resins for any medical applications.

Pebax® resin has been a preferred material in medical devices, such as minimally invasive catheters for angioplasty, since the mid 1990’s. Pebax® resin has gained recognition over other elastomers for excellent flexibility, kink resistance, torque transfer, and low coefficient of friction. Over recent years however, the functional and processing requirements for polymers have become more rigorous Arkema is introducing this new Pebax® grade as part of an ongoing commitment to the medical industry, offering a range of grades specifically intended for today’s devices.

“Our highest quality Pebax® MED resin will be instrumental in helping OEMs meet the growing demands of minimally invasive and intravascular devices by improving product performance and manufacturing yields,” says Basker Lalgudi, Arkema’s North American medical market manager.

All Pebax® MED resin grades have passed USP Class VI biocompatibility testing and are sterililizable by EtO, gamma and steam, key requirements for minimally invasive devices. Pebax® chemistries are also available in breathable films suitable for thick coatings or laminates used in level 3 and 4 medical apparel applications, such as surgical gowns, masks, gloves, drapes and wound dressings.

Arkema Inc. is a US manufacturer of Pebax® thermoplastic elastomer and markets its Pebax ® SA MED products in North America through its strategic partner Foster Corporation, a PolyMedex Discovery Group company (Putnam, CT). To learn more about Pebax® MED grades, please contact Foster Corporation at (860) 774-1559 x116 or visit www.polymedexgroup.com website.

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Unless Arkema otherwise expressly agrees by written contract, the Arkema trademarks and the Arkema name shall not be used in conjunction with customers' medical devices, including without limitation, permanent or temporary implantable devices, and customers shall not represent to anyone else, that Arkema allows, endorses or permits the use of Arkema products in such medical devices. Further, all implantable medical devices, whether permanent or temporary, carry a risk of adverse consequences. With regard to implantable medical devices, you should not rely upon the judgment of Arkema. Any decision regarding the appropriateness of a particular medical device in a particular medical application or for a specific clinical use should be based upon the judgment of your physician, medical device supplier and the United States Food & Drug Administration. Unless otherwise specifically stated by Arkema in writing, Arkema does not perform clinical medical studies on implantable medical devices. Arkema cannot weigh the benefits against the risks of a device and does not offer a medical judgment on the safety or efficacy of use of any Arkema product in a medical device.

Further, biocompatibility testing of Arkema products related to USP Class VI and certain requirements of ISO Standard 10993-1 cannot assure the biocompatibility of final or intermediate products made from Arkema products or the suitability of such products for their use in medical applications, i.e., the test data cannot be used to conclude that any medical devices manufactured from Arkema products meet the requirements of USP Class VI and ISO Standard 10993-1. It is the sole responsibility of the manufacturer of final end-use (and finished) products to conduct all necessary tests (including biocompatibility tests) and inspections and to evaluate the final product under actual end-use requirements.

Pebax® is a registered trademark of Arkema

Additives Group Introduces New PLA Processing Lubricant-Biostrength® 280

Thu, 13 May 2010 01:00:00 EST

The Sustainability Additives group of Arkema Inc. has added a new, clear impact modifier to its Biostrength® line of high performance additives for biopolymers. Targeted for use in extrusion, thermoforming, blow molding and calendering of PLA and other biopolymers slated for food contact applications, Biostrength® 280 impact modifier imparts toughness to PLA products while maintaining the clarity of the polymer. A small amount of Biostrength® 280 impact modifier incorporated into PLA during extrusion takes the resulting sheet from brittle to ductile behavior, allowing for easier manufacturing and more durable end use properties of the resulting thermoformed package.

"The mission of Sustainability Additives is to develop additives that will lead to more efficient use of resources and energy, help manage or create less waste, and help grow new polymers made from renewable sources of materials,” said Peggy Sharp, Business Director of Sustainability Additives Packaging and Healthcare market segments. “Biostrength® 280 is a nice addition to our Biostrength® product portfolio and fits well with that strategy as it enables PLA to be used in a wider variety of more demanding applications."

“While PLA is a wonderful biopolymer, its properties can benefit from specialized additives, especially in challenging applications,” continued Sharp. “Arkema’s Biostrength® line of biopolymer additives was specifically developed with our customers’ needs in mind. We are especially proud of our scientists’ thought leadership in developing this technology. They listened to customers and developed technology solutions to meet their needs.”

Arkema’s Sustainability Additives Group offers a wide range of products to the plastics industry including Biostrength® impact modifiers, Vikoflex® epoxidized soybean oils and various organic peroxides. To learn more about our products, contact Peggy Sharp at (215) 419-5257 or Peggy.Sharp@arkema.com, or visit our website at www.additives-arkema.com.

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Arkema is exhibiting at the American Coatings Show (ACS) being held in Charlotte, North Carolina

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 01:00:00 EST

Arkema Exhibits at 2010 American Coatings Show

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 01:00:00 EST

PHILADELPHIA, PA – April 9, 2010 – Arkema is excited to be exhibiting at the American Coatings Show (ACS) being held in Charlotte, North Carolina, April 13-15, 2010. The Company will highlight a wide range of products used in the coatings industry at its booth. Products and brands include:

Coatex additive designers (rheology modifiers), newly acquired Arkema Emulsion Systems, Kynar^â Aquatec, Orgasol^â and Rilsan^â fine powders, Acrylic’s Norsocryl^â, Blocbuilder^â controller for free radical polymerization, and Nanostrength^â block copolymers.

In addition to exhibiting these products, a special press briefing will be held on Wednesday, April 14 at 8:00AM in Ballroom C. This briefing will allow Arkema to demonstrate each of the product lines and how they are used in the coatings market.

For more information, contact Stan Howard, Communications Manager for Arkema Inc. at 215-419-7027 or via email at stan.howard@arkema.com

Arkema Inc. Sustainability Additives Group Introduces New PLA Melt Strength Enhancer

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 01:00:00 EST

Biostrength® 700 melt strength enhancer expands renewable resource-based polymers into new applications.

The Sustainability Additives group of Arkema Inc. has discovered expanded applications for its Biostrength® line of additives that bring value to manufacturers of biopolymer products. Typically used in extrusion, injection molding and calendering of PLA and other biopolymers, patented Biostrength® 700 melt strengthener technology also enables more economical processing of PLA in blown films, textiles and coating applications.

A small amount of Biostrength® 700 melt strength enables faster string-up and a wider processing window during the processing of PLA and other biopolymers and blends, leading to lower scrap rates. Variations in processing temperatures and shear strength are minimized with the addition of Biostrength® 700 melt strengthener, streamlining often problematic extrusion and calendering operations. Additionally, the use of Biostrength® 700 in blown film applications can lead to more consistent film thickness and increased productivity. In textile applications, it can help increase output by giving melt strength to the fiber. Coating applications are a further area where the patented Biostrength® 700 is currently finding use.

"Arkema's talented team of scientists and application development engineers are committed to developing products that can extend PLA into more challenging processing and application environments,” said Peggy Sharp, Business Director of Sustainability Additives Packaging and Healthcare market segments. “This product is a nice addition to our line of impact modifiers, catalysts, organic peroxides, lubricants and epoxidized soybean oils, and fits well with our strategy to provide our customers with additives that help them grow the use of polymers made from renewable resources. We are committed to helping our customers grow in their sustainable market areas with new products." Arkema’s Biostrength® product line contains products composed on natural renewable sources or designed for use with such products.

Arkema’s Sustainability Additives Group offers a wide range of products to the Plastics industry including Biostrength® modifiers, Vikoflex® epoxidized soybean oils and Luperox® organic peroxides. To learn more about our products, contact Peggy Sharp at (215) 419-5257 or e-mail Peggy.Sharp@arkema.com, or visit our website at www.additives-arkema.com.

High-pressure gas distribution pipe made from Rilsan® Polyamide-11 resin

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 01:00:00 EST

Arkema Inc. confirmed the recent completion of a 6,000-foot installation of Rilsan® Polyamide-11 pipe near Corsicana, TX. The Rilsan® resin pipe was installed in less time than a comparable steel pipeline and, unlike steel, will require no corrosion protection, now or in the future.

Performance Efficiencies to PVC Market with Durastrength® 3000 Acrylic Impact Modifier

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 01:00:00 EST

Arkema Inc.s PVC Additives Group is introducing Durastrength® 3000 acrylic impact modifier to the PVC Market. Durastrength® 3000 acrylic impact modifier imparts excellent impact properties to rigid PVC products and provides outstanding processability. It can be used in place of alternative non-acrylic impact modifiers while maintaining the processing advantages of traditional acrylic impact modifiers. This modifier is well suited for substrate applications such as siding, fencing, decking, ribbed pipe and other profile applications.

Arkemas Durastrength® impact modifiers, including the new Durastrength® 3000 impact modifier, are manufactured at the companys Axis, AL, plant. This platform is key to delivering the Groups innovative and highly efficient products to the PVC market. Keeping production in the U.S. contributes to the nations economic recovery and reduces excess carbon footprint when compared to transporting materials from overseas suppliers.

"This is a perfect example of Arkema's focus and commitment to the PVC market. With the current downturn in the economy, we feel it's more important than ever to invest in new product development and provide a foundation to support the PVC market for years to come," said Jim McAliney, General Manager, PVC Additives.

Arkemas PVC Additives Group offers a wide range of products to the PVC market including Durastrength® impact modifiers, Plastistrength® process aids, Thermolite® tin stabilizers, Clearstrength® MBS impact modifiers and Vikoflex® epoxidized soybean oil. To learn more about our products, contact our customer service at 1.800.331.7654.

Dow Finalizes Sale to Arkema of Acrylic Acid, Esters and Specialty Latex Assets in North America

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 01:00:00 EST

View the full release on our parent site - www.arkema.com

Arkema continues to meet customers needs in the refrigerant industry through investment and technology

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 01:00:00 EST

Arkema, one of the worlds largest producers of fluorochemicals, continues its program of major investments in both advanced refrigerant technology and expansion of its global capacity to meet the current and future needs of the refrigerant market. Arkema will meet the short-term needs of the refrigerant market through the use of HCFC-22 alternatives, reclaim services, and the full range of refrigerant products. For longer-term needs, Arkema is investing in HFC production capacity and low GWP product development.

Arkema Inc. and Dunleary, Inc. Sign Distributor Agreement

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 01:00:00 EST

Arkema Inc. announced today that they have signed a distribution agreement with Dunleary, Inc. to carry their industrial range of Orgasol® powders and the fine powders additives segment of the Rilsan® product line, beginning January 1, 2010.
Orgasol® ultrafine polyamide powders are polymers and copolymers of lauryllactam (PA 12) and/or caprolactam (PA 6), produced through direct polymerization to yield powders with a unique spherical shape and very narrow particle size distribution. Formulations for the coatings, graphic arts, composites, and powder metallurgy markets that use Orgasol® powders provide exceptional abrasion/scuff resistance, gloss control, soft feel textures and many other outstanding performance characteristics.
Rilsan® polyamide is a premier formulation additive for the protective coating, graphic arts, and imaging markets. Thermoplastic coatings formulated with Rilsan® PA-11 fine powders permit unique textural effects and provide a combination abrasion, scratch and chemical resistance to withstand extreme conditions.
“Partnering with Dunleary opens an exciting avenue for us to increase our presence in the marketplace and better serve our customers. Using Dunleary’s expertise as a regional distributor, our technology and support, and the passion of both of our companies for top-quality customer service will provide our customers with excellent choices,” said Andre Berry, Arkema’s Business Manager for Polyamide Powders in North America.
"The Arkema chemistry is a perfect complement to our current technology offerings. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with a company with such forward-looking products," said John Behan, Dunleary's Vice President of Sales.
Dunleary, Inc. will represent Arkema for the two product lines to customers in the Southeastern US throughout the following states:
AL, DE, FL, GA, MD, MS, NC, SC, TN, & VA

For more information, please contact Mr. Adrien Lapeyre, Business Development Engineer at (215) 419-5768 or email at adrien.lapeyre@arkema.com.

About Dunleary, Inc.
Dunleary, Inc., headquartered in Baltimore, MD, is among the nation’s top 100 specialty chemical distribution companies serving the adhesives, caulks, coatings, construction, graphic arts, paper, personal care, plastics, rubber, sealants and textiles markets throughout its ten state mid-Atlantic and Southeastern United States territory.

Orgasol® and Rilsan ® are registered trademarks belonging to Arkema Inc.

Arkema Inc. Announces Distribution Agreement with Palmer Holland, Inc. for its Orgasol® Powders and Rilsan® Fine Powders Additives Product Lines

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 01:00:00 EST

Arkema Inc. announced today that, beginning January 1, 2010, Palmer Holland, Inc. will now carry the industrial range of Arkema’s Orgasol® powders and the fine powders additives segment of the Rilsan® product line.
Orgasol® ultrafine polyamide powders are polymers and copolymers of lauryllactam (PA 12) and/or caprolactam (PA 6), produced through direct polymerization to yield powders with a unique spherical shape and very narrow particle size distribution. Formulations for the coatings, graphic arts, composites, and powder metallurgy markets that use Orgasol® powders provide exceptional abrasion/scuff resistance, gloss control, soft feel textures and many other outstanding performance characteristics.

Rilsan® polyamide is a premier formulation additive for the protective coating, graphic arts, and imaging markets. Thermoplastic coatings formulated with Rilsan® PA-11 fine powders permit unique textural effects and provide a combination abrasion, scratch and chemical resistance to withstand extreme conditions.

“By partnering with Palmer Holland, Arkema will increase our presence in the marketplace and better serve our customers. We will be able to fuse Palmer Holland’s expertise as a regional distributor with our product technology and support, and leverage the passion of both companies for top-quality customer service,” said Andre Berry, Arkema’s Business Manager for Polyamide Powders in North America.

"Palmer Holland is pleased to be associated with Arkema in this very specialized line of products. Our customers are searching to develop more robust formulations within the Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants, and Elastomers markets, while striving to incorporate sustainable chemistry. The Orgasol® and Rilsan® line of products fill an important niche in the high-value, high-function markets." said Mark Riemann, Palmer Holland’s Vice President of Sales.

Palmer Holland, Inc. will represent Arkema for the two product lines to customers throughout the Northeast, Great Lakes, Midwest, and Great Plains areas in the following states:

CT, ME, MA, NH, NY, NJ, RI, VT, & WV
IL, IN, KY, MI, OH, PA, & WI
IA, KS, MO, MN, NE, ND, & SD

For more information, please contact Mr. Adrien Lapeyre, Business Development Engineer at (215) 419-5768 or email at adrien.lapeyre@arkema.com.

Arkema Inc. in North America

Arkema Inc. Appoints The M.F. Cachat Company as Distributor

First Commercial Rilsan® PA11 Gas Pipe Installation

Arkema Launching Enhanced Quality Medical Grade Pebax® Resin

Additives Group Introduces New PLA Processing Lubricant-Biostrength® 280

Arkema is exhibiting at the American Coatings Show (ACS) being held in Charlotte, North Carolina

Arkema Exhibits at 2010 American Coatings Show

Arkema Inc. Sustainability Additives Group Introduces New PLA Melt Strength Enhancer

High-pressure gas distribution pipe made from Rilsan® Polyamide-11 resin

Performance Efficiencies to PVC Market with Durastrength® 3000 Acrylic Impact Modifier

Dow Finalizes Sale to Arkema of Acrylic Acid, Esters and Specialty Latex Assets in North America

Arkema continues to meet customers needs in the refrigerant industry through investment and technology

Arkema Inc. and Dunleary, Inc. Sign Distributor Agreement

Arkema Inc. Announces Distribution Agreement with Palmer Holland, Inc. for its Orgasol® Powders and Rilsan® Fine Powders Additives Product Lines

Arkema continues to meet customers needs in the refrigerant industry through investment and technology