Solvay Specialty Polymers (Alpharetta, Georgia / USA; www.solvayspecialtypolymers.com) has entered into a new licensing agreement with custom compounder RTP (Winona, Minnesota / USA; www.rtpcompany.com), under the terms of which the latter will be able to produce and sell Solvay’s “Radel” R-7000 series of polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) resins to the global commercial aircraft industry. The deal is expected to not only expand global supply channels for the high-performance polymer, but also shorten lead times and broaden options for ordering smaller batches with custom colours.

The agreement gives RTP access to Solvay’s Radel R-7000 PPSU polymer formulations and production technology and allows it to manufacture and sell them under the brand name. The two companies already entered into a similar agreement in 2008, when RTP began compounding and marketing Solvay’s pre-coloured “Radel R” PPSU and “Udel” PSU resins globally – see Plasteurope.com of 08.02.2008.

Solvay’s Radel R-7000 PPSU polymers are specially formulated for use in aircraft interior cabin applications, including seating, passenger service units, stow bins and air grilles. The grade is already used by Airbus and Boeing. Aside from excellent impact strength and chemical resistance, the material also complies with US Federal Aviation Administration regulations about flammability, heat release, smoke generation and toxic gas emissions.