Materials maker Syensqo has increased production capacity for polysulfone (PSU) resins in Marietta, Ohio.
In a news release, Syensqo officials said the firm has increased capacity by more than 25 percent for Udel-brand PSU used in health, water and energy applications. They added that, with the expansion, Syensqo "is ready to meet growing demand for innovative materials in critical life science markets."
The materials are used in systems for hemodialysis and medical instruments. Officials said they also play a critical role in water purification and contribute to green hydrogen systems that help reduce environmental impact.
"Since we embarked on this expansion journey for our sulfone polymers business three years ago, the trend towards higher performing materials … has continued to grow," Specialty Polymers President Peter Browning said in the release.
The production increase in Marietta follows a recent expansion at Syensqo's Augusta, Ga., plant where components used in these high-performance materials are made. In April, Syensqo broke ground on a battery-grade polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) resin plant in Augusta. Officials said the plant will be the largest PVDF production facility in North America.
PVDF is a fluoropolymer that's used as a lithium-ion binder and separator coating in batteries. Officials said the material allows EVs to go farther on each charge, extends battery life and improves battery safety. The U.S. Department of Energy awarded Syensqo a $178 million grant to help build the new plant.
At the recent Fakuma 2024 trade show, Brussels-based Syensqo highlighted new materials, including a specialty grade of Amodel PPA resin for electric vehicles. Other EV-related materials from Syensqo include a Ryton PPS resin for laser welding and recycling in electric actuator housings.
Syensqo was formed in 2022 when it was spun off from Solvay. Officials said the split has allowed Syensqo to focus more on growth and R&D.
Syensqo includes Solvay's former Specialty Polymers unit as well as growth platforms in batteries, green hydrogen, thermoplastic composites, renewable materials and biotechnology. Syensqo had sales of $7.4 billion in 2023. The firm employs more than 13,000 at 62 industrial sites and 12 research centers worldwide.