International. Solvay announced that it has completed the acquisition of European Carbon Fiber GmbH (ECF), a German manufacturer of high-quality precursor for high-filament (50K) polyacrylonitrile (PAN) carbon fibers, also called "high thickness". With this acquisition, Solvay lays the foundation to lead the adoption of composites in automotive applications, supply industrial markets and support the potential use of high-thickness fibers in the aerospace market.
"The strategic acquisition of ECF allows Solvay to develop a portfolio of high-filament carbon fibers to complement our existing range of pitch-based aerospace-grade carbon fibers ("Pitch") and PAN. This comprehensive portfolio positions Solvay as a key supplier to the aerospace, automotive and industrial markets of the future. Thanks to this acquisition, Solvay will leverage its competencies in polymers and materials science to lead innovation in high-thickness carbon fibers," says Carmelo Lo Faro, president of Solvay's global Composite Materials business unit.
Vertical integration into high-thickness carbon fiber technology will put Solvay in a good position to ensure its customers a secure and competitive long-term supply.
