In recent years electronic technological innovations have been swiftly transposed into high-tech consumer goods.  Mobile phones, cameras and portable computers have all become smaller and more powerful.  The hidden force behind this extraordinary success is plastics materials.  Plastics are excellent insulators, too.  At the front of innovation, Solvay offers a variety of product ranges not only for the manufacture of electronic components, but also for the insulation or jacketing of communication and power supply cables, as well as data transmission, automotive and aircraft cabling, for industry, office or home.

Electronics
Solvay plastics provide unique combinations of technical properties that are essential both in the manufacture of semiconductors and, as products, for lightweight components in electronic goods.  The range of applications for Solvay plastics is extensive: in the silicon chip at the heart of computers, data processing and electronics, where absolute purity is critical; in electronic equipment that depends on printed circuits, where long-life, reliability and exceptional electrical resistance play key roles.

Wire and cable
In wires and cables, which have to be flexible, scratch resistant and last a long time, there are further strict demands on their mechanical and electrical properties.  They have to withstand corrosive products, and they have to be fire and heat resistant.  In addition, safety requirements in public buildings have made performance specifications even more stringent, particularly with respect to fire and smoke generation.

Solvay plastics have made notable inroads into the cable sheathing market due to their resistance to corrosion, temperature, mechanical stress and fire.  They are used extensively: in buildings; in security alarm systems to minimise interference in transmission signals; for foamed insulation in coaxial cable constructions, hook up and other computer wire, insulation wire and cathodic protection.

Other electrical components
In engineered products, where finely moulded, lightweight, dimensionally stable plastics are used.  In magnetic cards, where Solvay is a proven supplier of plastics to worldwide manufacturers.