THE FUTURE, - Solvay

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GROUP > Panorama
TECNOFLON ® PFR NANOCOMPOSITE – SBU SPECIALTY POLYMERS
New high-purity
applications and new markets
The
IMPROVED SAFETY AT DOMBASLE – SBU SODA ASH
Subcontractors and safety managers
The project consists of heavily
involving subcontractors in site
safety in order to reduce the
number of accidents. The 2006
Trophy has had a very positive
effect in terms of recognition
and motivation: the number
A new grade of fl uoroelastomer nanocomposite Tecnofl on NFT ® has been
developed for semiconductors since the SIT 2006, as well as two
other grades for new applications. First, an innovative solution
for automotive hoses: thanks to its very low permeability to fuel,
a single layer of the Solvay nanocomposite is suffi cient, instead
of two until now. This solution has proved very successful
in Asia. Second, compounds with excellent mechanical
properties for the oil / gas industries are entering the marketing
stage. Finally, the R&D team is continuing to develop
the full potential of nanocomposite technology, to ensure
that Tecnofl on ® retains its position as the best product on
the market.
SIT 2006 projects
WHAT HAS BECOME OF THE WINNING PROJECTS OF THE SOLVAY
INNOVATION TROPHY 2006? A RAPID OVERVIEW, THREE YEARS ON.
of external participants has
increased (currently 10),
and the safety issues
highlighted every quarter have
gained visibility with the
creation of a fun day. Thanks to
these various initiatives, the
site’s safety record is more
than satisfactory: two accidents
with work stoppage in 2006,
only one since. The idea has
been transposed to Tavaux
(France) and is also being
studied at Rosignano (Italy).
SIFREN ® 46 GAS – SBU SPECIALTY POLYMERS
Nec plus ultra for
plasma engraving
Sifren ® 46 fl uorocarbon gas rewarded in 2006
is excellent for plasma etching of the ultra thin
integrated circuits found in memories. In addition it
forms a protective polymer layer on silicon wafers
(allowing the manufacturing of smaller devices) and
has a low environmental impact. The crisis that is
severely affecting the electronics industry is
negatively impacting sales, while competition from
new Asian producers of perfl uorobutadiene –
the chemical name of Sifren ® 46 – is making itself
felt. Faced with this situation, the SBU’s strategy is
to supply end-users directly (Intel, Samsung, etc.)
and to offer them even greater purity through the
development, to be announced shortly, of a new
99.9% pure grade – N3.0 in electronics jargon –
as against 99.6% today.
PARTNERSHIPS FOR BICARBONATE – SBU SODA ASH
Bicar ® for well-being
At the time of the 2006 Trophy, the project consisted
of four external cooperation programs to promote
sodium bicarbonate through a series of products related
to personal hygiene and protection against animal and
plant nuisances. Bicar P, a bicarbonate-based anti-lice
product, was launched in 2007 in partnership with Mavi,
a leading Italian skin care and cosmetics company, while
the development of Bi-Protec, to protect stored grain,
continues with Souffl et. The other two programs have
been replaced by new ideas that are being developed
with various partners: Isagro (Bi-Protec for protecting
silos), Biotop (mineral barrier against ants) and
Graine d’Affaires (protection of natural insulation
materials against insects and fungi).
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