Biesterfeld to distribute Solvay composite materials portfolio across continental Europe

Specialty chemicals company Biesterfeld Spezialchemie (Hamburg, Germany) has signed a distribution agreement with Solvay (Alpharetta, Ga., U.S.) to administer its product portfolio of advanced composite materials — such as prepregs, adhesive films, adhesives and primers that are predominantly used in aviation, automotive and other industrial applications — in continental Europe and North Africa. The new cooperation is effective immediately.

Prior to this announcement, Biesterfeld and Solvay have retained a long-term partnership for high-performance polymers, rubber materials and organic fluorinated intermediates. The new agreement covers composite materials including the prepreg brands CYCOM, Solvalite, MTM, LTM, VTM and HTM. According to Solvay, its prepreg materials fulfill aviation and automotive industry standards including low weight and excellent structural performance, and are used for primary and secondary structure applications; both autoclave and out-of-autoclave (OOA) systems are available.

Biesterfeld will also have access to one-part and two-part Solvay’s resin infusion systems such as PRISM series, the company’s FM structural adhesive films — which are designed to meet precise requirements on metal-to-metal, composite-to-metal and composite-to-composite bonding — and other adhesives brands DAPCO, AeroPaste, BR and Surface Master.

The DAPCO series comprises rapid-cure and room-temperature cure sealants, potting compounds and paste adhesives. DAPCO firewall sealants are characterized by optimized heat and fire protection for different aircraft applications. AeroPaste complements the adhesive portfolio with high-performance paste adhesives for cost-efficient rapid assembly. Solvay’s chromated and non-chromate corrosion-inhibiting BR bonding primers are also said to guarantee processing flexibility, easier manufacturing processes and improved adhesion while inhibiting degradation to provide long-term durability for aerospace applications. Finally, the company’s Surface Master surfacing films aim to reduce total cost of ownership (TCO) by significantly reducing surface defects and by offering handling properties that make manufacturing easier.

“We are honored to be granted the distribution rights for Solvay’s innovative and high-end advanced composite materials. The products meet the highest industry standards and will bring customers, especially in the aviation sector, remarkable manufacturing possibilities,” says Stig Eines, market manager Composite & Tooling, Biesterfeld Spezialchemie.

According to Sergej But, head of Sales Europe Performance Products, Biesterfeld Spezialchemie, through this partnership, customers will also gain access to leading-edge technology products along with prompt technical assistance.