Solvay’s Xencor™ LFT targets structural medical equipment components

Anaheim, Calif., Feb. 13, 2020 --- Solvay’s Xencor™ LFT compounds deliver high strength and enhanced impact resistance for structural applications. These long glass fiber-reinforced thermoplastics (LFT) offer healthcare designers and OEMs new opportunities to replace metal and traditional short fiber thermoplastics used in structural medical components. Typical applications include chassis, gear systems and components needing high mechanical properties and load-bearing capabilities. Solvay is showcasing these new materials at MD&M West 2020 in booth #2414.

Solvay’s pultrusion manufacturing process produces continuous and highly aligned glass fiber-reinforced Xencor™ LFT compounds that provide better retention of mechanical properties at elevated temperatures along with very low creep, outstanding fatigue resistance and excellent surface finish. Depending on the polymer and grade, Xencor™ LFT compounds can contain between 30 to 60 percent long fiber reinforcement.

The advantages of using Xencor™ LFT compounds over metals include lighter weight, expanded design freedom, superior chemical resistance and streamlined processing. These benefits were recently demonstrated with the development of the first all-polymer e-bike from Stavjelo for which certain technical requirements can be applied to medical equipment.

“Xencor™ LFT compounds enhance our already robust metal-to-plastic replacement product portfolio for medical equipment,’’ said Jeff Hrivnak, global business manager for Healthcare at Solvay Specialty Polymers global business unit. “As is typical with our portfolio, Xencor™ LFT products stand up to aggressive disinfectants needed in healthcare and can reduce overall manufacturing costs through the use of high-speed injection molding.’’

The Xencor™ LFT portfolio is comprised of grades based on select Solvay semi-crystalline resin systems: Ryton® polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), Amodel® polyphthalamide (PPA) and Ixef® polyarylamide (PARA).

™ Xencor is a trademark of Solvay
® Ryton, Amodel and Ixef are registered trademarks of Solvay

Solvay is an advanced materials and specialty chemicals company, committed to developing chemistry that addresses key societal challenges. Solvay innovates and partners with customers worldwide in many diverse end markets. Its products are used in planes, cars, batteries, smart and medical devices, as well as in mineral and oil and gas extraction, enhancing efficiency and sustainability. Its lightweighting materials promote cleaner mobility, its formulations optimize the use of resources and its performance chemicals improve air and water quality. Solvay is headquartered in Brussels with around 24,500 employees in 61 countries. Net sales were €10.3 billion in 2018, with 90% from activities where Solvay ranks among the world's top 3 leaders, resulting in an EBITDA margin of 22%. Solvay SA (SOLB.BE) is listed on Euronext Brussels and Paris Bloomberg: SOLB.BB - Reuters: SOLB.BR), and in the United States its shares (SOLVY) are traded through a level-1 ADR program.  Financial figures take into account the planned divestment of Polyamides.

Solvay Specialty Polymers manufactures over 1500 products across 35 brands of high-performance polymers – fluoropolymers, fluoroelastomers, fluorinated fluids, semi-aromatic polyamides, sulfone polymers, ultra-high performance aromatic polymers, and high‑barrier polymers – for use in Aerospace, Alternative Energy, Automotive, Healthcare, Membranes, Oil and Gas, Packaging, Plumbing, Semiconductors, Wire & Cable, and other industries. Learn more at www.solvayspecialtypolymers.com.