Sales breakdown 2004 - Solvay

New Business Development
“Advanced Materials and Systems”, in particular
functionalised materials as well as equipment and
systems for energy storage and transmission.
New energy sources
Global Annual Report Solvay 2004
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– Ionic membranes for fuel cells
Work on ionic radio-grafted membranes has been refocused
on research and development of suitable products for the
low-temperature fuel cells required for portable apparatus
(computers, cell phones, etc.). This research is being carried
out in close cooperation with outside partners as part of
projects subsidised in particular by the European Union.
In parallel, Solvay Solexis (Italy) is continuing research into
fluorinated membranes for “medium-to-high-temperature”
fuel cells. Solvay is an active member of the “Hydrogen and
Fuel Cells Technology platform” which has been launched
by DG Research of the European Union.
Other projects
– In direct contact with the market, though
a shareholding in Conduit Ventures Ltd
Elsewhere, the NBD team is also pursuing existing projects
in close cooperation with the Strategic Business Units
concerned.
Solvay’s commitment to this field was illustrated in 2004
by its participation in Conduit Ventures Ltd (UK), a
London-based venture capital fund devoted to fuel cells
and hydrogen production technologies. This participation
gives Solvay a vital overview of the latest developments
right across the fuel cell sector. This direct contact with
the market will enable the Group to speed up and better
direct its own R&D activities in this field.
Conduit Ventures Limited is the first European venture
capital fund devoted to fuel cells and to the related
hydrogen technologies. It is concentrating its investments
in Europe, North America and Asia.
– HexelOne : a technology for producing high-pressure
thermoplastic piping for pressurized water
transportation
The original and patented HexelOne technology enables
pressure-resistant piping to be produced from multiple
layers of the same material. This offers an attractive and
competitive alternative to conventional materials (ductile
cast iron, steel, etc.) in a wide range of diameters where thermoplastic
materials have been traditionally less well placed.
– Nidacell : an innovative technology for producing
honeycomb structured panels
Nidacell , the first process permitting continuous production
of PVC “honeycomb” panels, has rapidly proved
a very flexible solution for processing a wide range of
commercial polymers, from flexible, rigid and recycled PVCs
to specialty polymers, as well as wood-plastic composites and
biodegradable plastics.
Combining several highly desirable functionalities
(low weight, rigidity, and acoustic and, in particular, thermal
insulation) these products have received a very promising
welcome during initial marketing contacts.