Sep 26 2005
In a move to further consolidate its expertise in the area of high-temperature polymers, Degussa AG, Dusseldorf, is acquiring all the know-how and patents of Ticona GmbH, Kelsterbach, in the field of polyaryl ether ketones. Patents and know-how for the manufacture and use of these polymers had been developed in the Technical Polymers Division of Hoechst AG in the 1990s and had been assigned to Ticona when Hoechst spun off its non-pharma businesses in 1999. With the acquisition, Degussa is combining the experience gained by the former Hoechst AG from almost ten years of researching, manufacturing and using polyaryl ether ketones with the results of 20 years of research by Jilin University, Changchun, China, along with its own research and development.
This will strengthen Degussa's High Performance Polymers Business Unit, which is preparing for the start of the Chinese joint venture JIDA Degussa High Performance Polymers Changchun Co. Ltd. that was agreed in early June 2005. The joint venture, in which Degussa holds an 80 percent share and Jilin University 20 percent, will produce polyether ether ketones (PEEK). "The comprehensive know-how and patents that Degussa has now acquired will ensure us successful entry into the technology-driven PEEK* market," states Dr. Joachim Leluschko, the Business Unit's Head. "This package is buying considerable time for High Performance Polymers to start the first developments with customers, as soon as all permits for the start of JIDA Degussa High Performance Polymers Changchun have been obtained."
High Performance Polymers manufactures high-performance polymers based on polyamide 12 and various other specialty polymers. Products from the PEEK* family will enable the business unit to expand its range of products in the attractive segment of high-performance plastics, which need to meet extreme mechanical, thermal, and chemical requirements. As a comprehensive systems supplier for polymer materials Degussa is thus setting its sights in particular on the automotive engineering and electronics end markets, as well as the aerospace industry.
http://www.degussa.com