Solef® PVDF
for enabling lithium-ion electric vehicle (EV) batteries
Context
- The transportation industry is looking for cleaner, safer and more energy efficient solutions to reduce CO2 emissions.
- The move toward hybrid vehicles doubles Solvay’s polymer content.
- By 2030, electric vehicles are expected to account for 30% of new cars, just in Europe.
Our solution
Improving performance and durability of EV batteries
A high-performance material for Li-ion batteries, our Solef® PVDF has been awarded the Efficient Solutions label by the Solar Impulse Foundation for its role in improving the performance and durability of electric vehicles. This polymer is used to manufacture battery components (binders and separators) that are used as a battery separator coating in electric vehicles. As a partially fluorinated material, it is particularly stable, which enhances the safety performance of the battery. It enables higher voltages and high-temperature resistance as well as faster charging.
Impact on Cleaner mobility
€10M
Sales in 2019
it can save up to
1.67Mt CO2*
emissions over a vehicle’s useful life
* Impact calculation and related CO2 savings based on an electricity decarbonized supply
SW Premium Range
for sustainable tires
Context
- Growing concerns about sustainability and stringent regulations on CO2 are driving the automotive industry to develop cleaner, safer and more energy efficient solutions.
Our solution
Efficient tires that reduce a vehicle’s CO2 emissions
Our Silica SW Premium Range of products are used to create tires that reduce rolling resistance by up to 25%, helping lower fuel consumption by ~7%. They do this by making tire gum more consistent and preventing it from heating up. Our latest innovative grade Premium SW is among the most affordable and efficient ways to cut CO2 emissions from vehicles.
Impact on Cleaner mobility and Protecting natural resources
~€300M
Sales
87kt
natural rubber savings in vehicle use phase
potential saving
16Mt
CO2 emissions per year
Cycom®
for lighter, more fuel-efficient aircraft structures
Context
- In the aerospace market, there is high demand for advanced solutions to accelerate build rate at a lower cost and produce lighter, more fuel-efficient aircraft.
- Using composite materials instead of aluminum can reduce maintenance hours by 44 to 65%.
- It can also cut CO2 by 50% by 2050.
Our solution
Enabling cleaner aircraft mobility
Our composite technology offers an attractive value proposition for aircraft manufacturers: it reduces the weight of the aircraft, which increases the fuel efficiency and reduces emissions. Our Cycom® range of products offer solutions for the most technically challenging composite applications. This range of prepregs and resin systems are the industry standard for stiffness, impact resistance and thermal performance. In addition, Cycom® delivers 10 to 20 times faster manufacturing rates, thus enabling a lower total cost of ownership in line with industry expectations for high volume composite use.
Impact on Cleaner mobility
€600M
Sales
up to
-25%
fuel consumption
up to
-79Mt
CO2 emissions in use phase
Halar®
for lighter, more durable aircraft engines
Context
- Lightweighting is a key challenge for the aerospace industry as it allows fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions reduction.
- Up to 50% composites by weight on wide-bodies.
- <10 to 25% composites by weight on narrow-bodies.
Our solution
Halar® for the LEAP engine*
Solvay’s Halar® ECTFE, a high-performance polymer thermoplastic film, is used as a protective layer on the Leading Edge Aviation Propulsion (LEAP) engine acoustic ring panel that protects against the harsh environment typical at 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. Halar® was used as the lightweight, flexible, topcoat for the photovoltaic cells on the Solar Impulse aircraft.
Impact on Cleaner mobility
-15%
reduction of CO2 emssions possible compared to traditional engines
* The LEAP engine is a product of CFM International, a 50/50 joint company between GE and Safran Aircraft Engines.
Addibond™
for more energy-efficient cars
Context
- The automotive industry’s priority is the need for light materials (for body, chassis, interior, powertrain and under-the-hood application) to increase energy efficiency.
- Lightweighting that does not compromise vehicle safety or comfort is now the main lever for solving this automotive industry challenge.
Our solution
A unique solution to improve adhesive performance in the automotive industry
Aluminium cannot be welded, so bonding must be used for automotive applications, but this can reduce the material’s strength. Solvay’s AddibondTM 275 provides a solution. Adding it to the surface prior to bonding improves adhesive strength and enhances durability over time, especially in severe conditions. AddibondTM’s benefit to customers is also in the improvement of Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) management for their clients: it allows for a process that is free of chrome and heavy metal and results in minimal process waste, saving water and lowering temperature requirements.
Impact on Cleaner mobility and Better life (safety)
4g of Addibond™ can translate to savings of
300kg
in CO2 emissions per car annually
MAX HT®
to help alumina refineries reduce their environmental impact
Context
- Alumina is the primary raw material for aluminum.
- High consumption of water and energy needed to descale alumina manufacturing equipment.
- Hazardous de-scaling operation needed in addition.
Our solution
Helping alumina refineries reduce energy, water consumption and costs
MAX HT® eliminates scale directly at the source, which reduces energy, fresh water consumption and related costs for alumina production. It also increases the safety of refinery workers who, in many cases, are no longer exposed to hazards associated with acid cleaning. MAX HT® is labelled as an Efficient Solution by the Solar Impulse Foundation for preventing the formation of impurities and contaminants in heaters, resulting in optimized energy consumption and reduced emissions.
Impact* for Cleaner mobility, Protecting resources and Better life
>€30M
Sales
Reduce CO2 emissions equivalent
by13
to92kg
per ton of alumina produced
Billions
of gallons of fresh water are saved annually
Reduce acid waste
by0.9
to2.7kg
Average net savings per ton of Alumina ranges from
$2-6
Reduce exposure of refinery workers
* Impact varies depending on various refinery conditions