Arkema to set industrial production of self-healing elastomers underway

French chemical maker Arkema has announced to begin the industrial production of the first high-performance self-healing elastomer materials derived from the concept of supramolecular chemistry. Earlier in February 2008 Arkema announced the joint development with the Paris Ecole Supérieure de Physique et Chimie Industrielles (ESPCI) Matière Molle et Chimie Laboratory of a revolutionary self-healing rubber based on this chemistry. Supramolecular materials specifically feature so-called "reversible" (non-permanent) intermolecular bonds, in contrast with polymers derived from traditional chemistry, which are based on so-called "irreversible" (permanent) bonds. This reversibility feature imparts a capacity to self-heal wherein cracks or breaks occurring in supramolecular materials can be repaired simply by putting the fractured surfaces back together and applying light pressure; the materials recover nearly all their initial strength without the need for bonding or heating. A comprehensive range of supramolecular materials and additives will be marketed by Arkema under the trademark Reverlink™. The Reverlink™ range today comprises ten grades of supramolecular elastomers featuring optimum self-healing characteristics, products for traditional polymer modification, and various specialty additives. During the past twelve months, Arkema has been fine-tuning pilot plant processes capable of producing, on a semi-industrial scale, materials based on supramolecular chemistry, and studying applications that might benefit from this remarkable chemistry. The production plant, based in France at the Feuchy facility (Pas-de-Calais), boasts an capacity of almost 100 tpa. These new supramolecular materials are composed of at least 60% fatty acid oligomers derived from vegetable oils. The company is exploring industrial applications including conveyor belts, sealing joints, impact protection, insulation and shock-absorbing layers, industrial gloves, anti-corrosion coatings for metal, and formulation additives for adhesives, bitumen, organic binders, paints, varnishes, pastes and sealants. Over 30 confidentiality agreements have already been signed between Arkema and industrial partners relating to possible developments in supramolecular chemistry.