Solvay Specialty Polymers (Alpharetta, Georgia / USA; www.solvayspecialtypolymers.com) has agreed to acquire a stake in Canadian advanced composite materials and manufacturing systems provider Aonix Advanced Materials (Ottawa, Ontario; www.aonixcorp.com). Financial details of the deal, announced during the recent “K” trade fair and expected to close in late November, were not announced.

The US company said the investment will allow it to accelerate the development and commercialisation of thermoplastic composites made from its high-performance polymers. Solvay added the agreement will not affect its dealings with other companies involving its “KetaSpire” PEEK.

Commenting on the collaboration, Solvay's business development manager for aerospace and composites, Armin Klesing, said, “This unique collaboration will bring together two world-class companies focused on meeting the growing global demand for lightweight, stiff, strong, and recyclable composite materials.”

The two companies said the cooperation would use Solvay’s polymers as a matrix and as overmoulding polymers for a range of end markets, including mobile electronics, automotive, oil and gas as well as sporting goods. As for Aonix, it brings to the table its “UltraMaterials” thermoplastic formulations used to create composite materials which are claimed to offer superior performance, high-volume output and recyclability. The Canadian group also produces purpose-built, automated manufacturing systems.