Evonik Industries (Essen / Germany; www.evonik.com) has signed a deal to sell “Solimide” low-density polyimide foams business to Boyd Corporation (Modesto, California / USA; www.boydcorp.com). Financial details of the deal, which still has to meet closing conditions and approvals, were not disclosed.

Boyd CEO Mitch Aiello said the acquisition “positions us to realise significant growth within key commercial aerospace, defence and building infrastructure segments.” The business will continue to operate under the Solimide brand name, with the manufacturing plant in Magnolia, Arkansas / USA as well as the administrative facility in Allen, Texas / USA joining Boyd’s portfolio.

Developed by NASA, Solimide foam is used across the defence industry in insulation solutions. Applications include ducting and burn-through requirements as well as weight-critical, preeminent acoustic damping capabilities. Solimide is characterised by both high and low temperature capability, it is fire-resistant and emits low smoke and gas, has good thermal and acoustic insulation capacities and is much lighter than alternative materials, Boyd said.