Momentive Performance Materials has announced the introduction of a new global heat-cured rubber platform beginning in 2010.
Momentive Performance
Materials recently announced that, beginning in 2010, it will introduce Silplus
silicone elastomers, a new global heat-cured rubber (high-consistency
elastomer) platform based on a uniform production process and raw material
inputs. The launch will be supported by an asset strategy in line with
Momentive’s strong global footprint. The new products will be produced
primarily in Leverkusen, Germany, Shanghai,
China, and Ohta, Japan.
All production sites will use a mix process resulting in higher-quality
elastomers with good physical properties and a lower level of volatility.
The
new global Silplus elastomer portfolio will consist of three platforms, each
designed to meet the needs of different applications, and will be offered in a
range of hardnesses. The platforms will include Silplus MP multi-purpose
silicone elastomers, Silplus EX extrudable silicone elastomers and Silplus HS
high-strength silicone elastomers.
Silplus MP multi-purpose
silicone elastomers will help provide customers with flexibility to more easily
compound or blend elastomers to achieve desired properties, and may be
considered for use in a range of applications and processing equipment. Silplus
EX silicone elastomers help provide enhanced green strength and excellent
extrusion performance, and may be considered for applications such as hose, tubing,
and profiles. For higher-performance applications, Silplus HS silicone
elastomers can help provide higher strength and enhanced mechanical properties.
All products have been tested against a variety of standards that may be
required for potential applications in a variety of industries, including
healthcare, consumer, automotive, and energy.
“We are
excited by the many benefits that the new Silplus elastomers will bring – high-quality
materials, produced in a uniform production process, available in a transparent
portfolio around the world,” said Robert Gnann, global market director of Momentive’s
Elastomer business. “This new platform will naturally result in
requalification for some of our customers. We are sensitive to the
situation and are dedicated to supporting our customers through the
transition.”
Following the introduction of the new global
Silplus elastomer platform, Momentive intends to continue providing individual,
customized HCE solutions to customers.
In order
to meet the increasing global demand for these elastomers, Momentive will
double the capacity of its plant in Shanghai
by the end of 2009. The Shanghai
facility, exclusively dedicated to silicone elastomer production, utilizes
state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment and operates under high quality and
safety standards.
Many of the new Silplus grades are
currently available for sampling.
For more information,
visitwww.momentive.com.