Arkema's Kepstan® PEKK 6000 Series Copolymers Offer Slow Crystallinity And Low Melt Temperature For Injection Molding And Extrusion

Arkema has introduced a new high-performance thermoplastic material, Kepstan(r) 6000 polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) copolymer. Kepstan(r) 6000 series copolymers are members of the PAEK (polyaryletherketone) family that, due to its molecular structures, allows for exceptional possibilities in the control of crystallization, with greater adhesion for powder coatings in harsh conditions.

King of Prussia, PA (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - A part of Arkema's newly developed, PEKK-based, highly stable chemical backbone copolymers, the Kepstan® 6000 series copolymers offer a low melting point and has a slow crystallization rate.

"These properties allow for lower processing temperatures and the ability to process the Kepstan® 6000 Series copolymers polymers as either amorphous or semi-crystalline structures, depending on processing technologies and cooling conditions," said Tim Spahr of Arkema's Corporate Research in North America. "They can be injection molded and extruded as an amorphous polymer without the need for quenching," he added.

The Kepstan® 6000 series copolymers have a melt temperature of 305°C (581°F), the lowest of the PAEK (polyaryletherketone) material family. However, it has a glass transition temperature of 160°C (320°F), which is among the highest in the PAEK family.

The Kepstan® 6000 series copolymers includes medium, high, and very high flow grades which allow for use in a broad range of processing technologies, including film/sheet extrusion, laser sintering, calendaring, thermoforming, injection molding, fiber impregnation, compression molding, rotomolding, powder coating, bonding and welding.

Application markets include oil and gas, automotive, and aerospace.

About Arkema
A global chemical company and France's leading chemicals producer, Arkema is building the future of the chemical industry every day. Deploying a responsible, innovation-based approach, we produce state-of-the-art specialty chemicals that provide customers with practical solutions to such challenges as climate change, access to drinking water, the future of energy, fossil fuel preservation and the need for lighter materials. With operations in more than 40 countries, some 14,000 employees and 10 research centers, Arkema generates annual revenue of approximately $8.3 billion, and holds leadership positions in all its markets with a portfolio of internationally recognized brands.

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