Kuraray (Tokyo / Japan; www.kuraray.co.jp/en) plans to establish facilities for the production of a new acrylic thermoplastic elastomer at its site in Niigata / Japan. The Japanese chemicals and materials producer said it expects to produce 5,000 t/y of the material, a block copolymer of MMA and butyl acrylate based on proprietary technology.

Kuraray is targeting sales of the new elastomer of JPY 10 bn (EUR 78.5m) by 2018. The elastomer possesses the transparency and weather resistance of MMA and the elasticity and adhesive qualities of butyl acrylate, making it suitable for applications in adhesives, film and light guide components, and moulding materials, the company said.