Sabic opens new pilot facility for high performance polymers

Sabic Innovative Plastics is opening a new pilot facility that will allow more rapid chemistry and process development for its Ultem, Siltem and Extem high performance polymers product line.

The new 3,000-square foot facility in Mt. Vernon, Ind. will begin operations in the first quarter of 2012.

Previously, piloting was done externally, Sabic said in a press release, but can now be integrated into product research and development and scale-up to commercial production.

“This is a critically important addition to our capabilities in Mt. Vernon and is the latest in a history of new investments to this site, which has long been a hub for major innovation breakthroughs and the source of 500 patents,” said Sanjay Mishra, global high-performance polymers technology leader, Specialty & Performance, Innovative Plastics.

Ultem polyetherimide (PEI) resins are known for their high heat, chemical and flame resistance and high strength and stiffness, and are used in aerospace and transportation and the medical device industry. Siltem resins are amorphous materials that combine the high heat resistance of Ultem PEI resin with the exibility of silicone elastomers; applications include wire and cable coatings. And Extem amorphous thermoplastic polyimide resins, which are designed to deliver high performance at prolonged extreme temperatures, offer the potential to replace ceramic and metal, Sabic said.