New licensing agreement sees RTP Company manufacture compounds based on Solvay’s PAI

Solvay Speciality Polymers has announced a new licensing agreement that enables RTP Company, a custom compounder of engineered thermoplastics, to manufacture and sell RTP Company custom compounds based on Solvay’s ultra-high performance Torlon polyamide-imide (PAI) polymer.

The new business arrangement expands RTP Company’s capability to meet growing demand for Torlon PAI-based compounds. Available under the RTP 5000 label, the new offering will reportedly target demanding applications that require high structural strength or excellent wear resistance, as well as the ability to perform reliably at high temperature, under load and in harsh chemical environments.

“This new agreement both expands and strengthens our broad and growing portfolio of custom compounds,” said Scott Koberna, Global General Manager of Wear and Friction Materials for RTP Company.  “Solvay’s advanced Torlon PAI technology will help us explore entirely new and unique solutions for customers in fast-growing markets, such as automotive, industrial, off-road vehicles, building and construction, defense and aerospace.”

Torlon PAI combines the performance of thermoset polyimides with the melt-processing advantage of thermoplastics to deliver strength and stiffness at temperatures up to 275°C (525°F). Wear-resistant grades offer performance at elevated pressures and velocities in both dry and lubricated environments.

The RTP 5000 family of compounds will incorporate new and existing additive packages to further extend the performance range of Solvay’s PAI technology. Solvay will continue to manufacture and sell Torlon PAI compounds through its normal direct supply channels.

“RTP Company has been a well-recognised and trusted compounder of Solvay’s advanced materials for many years, and this new agreement improves on that relationship by combining Solvay’s industry-leading PAI polymer chemistry with RTP Company’s world-class compounding and distribution capabilities,” said Chris Wilson, Vice President of Ultra Polymers for Solvay Speciality Polymers. “This is a major win for both companies and will expand the competitive solutions of our global customers.”