For the second time this year, compounder RTP Co. has reached a deal to make compounds based on specialty resins from Solvay Specialty Polymers.
Winona, Minn.-based RTP on Dec. 2 announced it will make and sell compounds based on Solvay's Torlon-brand polyamide-imide (PAI) resins. RTP compounds based on Torlon will target demanding applications that require high structural strength or excellent wear resistance, officials said in a news release.
The materials also will be able to perform reliably at high temperature, under load and in harsh chemical environments, they added. Markets for RTP's Torlon-based compounds include automotive, industrial, off-road vehicles, building and construction, defense and aerospace.
The agreement “expands and strengthens (RTP's) broad and growing portfolio of custom compounds,” RTP executive Scott Koberna said in the release. Koberna serves as global general manager of the firm's wear and friction materials.
In August, RTP and Alpharetta, Ga.-based Solvay unveiled a deal allowing RTP to make and market compounds based on Solvay's Radel-brand polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) resins for the commercial aircraft industry. The agreement covers Radel resins, which are specially formulated for aircraft cabin interior applications, such as seating, stow bins and air grilles.
RTP ranks as one of North America's 30 largest compounders and concentrates makers. The firm operates 17 plants worldwide, making compounds based on 60 different engineering resins. Solvay SP is a unit of Brussels-based specialty chemicals firm Solvay SA.