Solvay has signed an agreement with Safran to supply Halar ECTFE high performance film for its LEAP1 engine acoustic panels.

Film made from Halar ECTFE with additional plasma treatment offers excellent adhesion to composite substrates providing superior aesthetic surface aspects to perfectly blend with its surroundings.

Solvay's high-performance Halar ECTFE, a partially fluorinated semi-crystalline polymer, is used as a protective layer on the engine acoustic ring panel against the aggression of the harsh environment typical of the entrance of an aircraft engine. It is strong and tough and its resistance to erosion, abrasion, and aircraft chemicals and fluids make it ideal for this application.

'Solvay is a longstanding and trusted partner of Safran, delivering advanced composite material solutions for both our aircraft engines and nacelle programs,' said Thierry Haud, Vice-President Safran Purchasing, Safran. 'The supply agreement for Solvay's high-performance thermoplastic film extends our mutual collaboration and further consolidates the relationship between us as we enlarge our cutting-edge portfolio of materials, techniques and processes.'

Solvay's Halar ECTFE film retains its properties over a broad range of temperatures, displaying particularly outstanding impact resistance at low temperature. It has demonstrated excellent erosion properties, extreme UV radiation resistance and can be considered as an excellent barrier to water vapor, oxygen and other small gas molecules. It is also lightweight and durable and meets stringent aerospace industry requirements regarding fire and burn-through resistance due to its inherent flame retardancy.

'As a world leader in high-performance thermoplastic and composite materials with a global operational infrastructure, Solvay is fully committed to supporting Safran as it ramps up the design and integration of applications for the LEAP engine program,' said Mike Finelli, President Solvay's Specialty Polymers global business unit. 'The benefits of our broad material offering further helps the ambitious LEAP engine program to best maintain its performance and noise levels throughout the engine's life.'

Solvay is an advanced materials and specialty chemicals company, committed to developing chemistry that addresses key societal challenges. Solvay innovates and partners with customers worldwide in many diverse end markets. Its products are used in planes, cars, batteries, smart and medical devices, as well as in mineral and oil and gas extraction, enhancing efficiency and sustainability. Its lightweighting materials promote cleaner mobility, its formulations optimize the use of resources and its performance chemicals improve air and water quality. Solvay is headquartered in Brussels with around 24,500 employees in 61 countries. Net sales were EUR10.3 billion in 2018, with 90% from activities where Solvay ranks among the world's top 3 leaders, resulting in an EBITDA margin of 22%. Solvay SA (SOLB.BE) is listed on Euronext Brussels and Paris Bloomberg: SOLB.BB - Reuters: SOLB.BR), and in the United States its shares (SOLVY) are traded through a level-1 ADR program.

Solvay Specialty Polymers manufactures over 1500 products across 35 brands of high-performance polymers - fluoropolymers, fluoroelastomers, fluorinated fluids, semi-aromatic polyamides, sulfone polymers, ultra-high performance aromatic polymers, and high-barrier polymers - for use in Aerospace, Alternative Energy, Automotive, Healthcare, Membranes, Oil & Gas, Packaging, Plumbing, Semiconductors, Wire & Cable, and other industries. Learn more at www.solvayspecialtypolymers.com.

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