Arkema Doubles Rheology-Modifier Capacity in Spain
Image courtesy of Arkema.
Arkema has doubled production capacity for its Crayvallac specialty rheology modifiers at its Sant Celoni, Spain, site.
The company said the expansion supports demand from coatings, adhesives and sealants manufacturers, including customers developing high-solids formulations with reduced solvent content.
"This strategic expansion is part of our continued efforts to support market needs and strengthen our leadership as a specialty bio-based materials provider in strategic markets. Demand for rheology modifiers is currently growing in every region globally. We are investing now so our coatings and adhesives customers can keep pace with demand and remain competitive," said Richard Jenkins, Senior Vice President, Coatings Solutions at Arkema.
Selected products in the range use castor-oil-derived chemistry and have a bio-based carbon ratio of 80% to 100%, measured under EN 16640. That figure refers to the carbon measurement for relevant grades, not the total mass of every Crayvallac product.
The announcement did not disclose added tonnage or the investment amount.
Rheology control becomes particularly important as formulators reduce solvent content. A formulation must develop sufficient structure at rest to resist settling and sagging while still flowing appropriately during application.
Arkema’s technical guidance describes rheology modifiers as tools for balancing those requirements, including shear-thinning behavior, application viscosity and film appearance. The appropriate balance depends on the formulation and application process.
The expansion adds supply capacity for materials used to control application and film performance. Follow PCI’s paint and coatings additives coverage for related developments.
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