Press release
Corporate Press
December 10, 2014

Evonik starts up two new plant units for crosslinking activators

Evonik has started up two new plant units for the production of crosslinking activators at its multi-user site in Wesseling. With triallyl cyanurate (TAC) and triallyl isocyanurate (TAICROS®), the company now offers two high-quality crosslinking activators for use in plastics and rubber.

“The new production allows us to meet our customers’ rising quality requirements as well as the growing demand worldwide, especially in the photovoltaics sector,” says Matthias Hau, Head of the Evonik Agrochemicals & Polymer Additives Business Line.

TAICROS® enhances the quality of so-called EVA films, which encase the sensitive silicon cells of solar panels—and thus the solar cell as a whole—to protect them from environmental influences. TAICROS® ensures better crosslinking and also protects films against long-term yellowing, which means the solar cells perform well on a sustained basis. "What’s more, TAICROS® speeds up crosslinking, which results in a quicker lamination process and the corresponding efficiency improvements for customers in the photovoltaics sector,” explains Segment Head Dr. Frank Kraushaar.
TAC is primarily used in high-quality rubber materials such as hoses and cable coatings in the automotive sector to increase aging resistance and, accordingly, the life expectancy of such items.

Thanks to the backward-integrated production system in Wesseling, the new plant units are connected to an existing cyanuric chloride plant. Cyanuric chloride is one of the source materials for TAC and TAICROS®.

In the area of research and development, Evonik works with customers in the plastics industry on innovative new developments on a continuous basis. The most stringent demands and individual requirements set the benchmark for new solutions.

Company information

Evonik, the creative industrial group from Germany, is one of the world leaders
in specialty chemicals. Profitable growth and a sustained increase in the value of the company form the heart of Evonik’s corporate strategy. Its activities focus on the key megatrends health, nutrition, resource efficiency and globalization. Evonik benefits specifically from its innovative prowess and integrated technology platforms.

Evonik is active in over 100 countries around the world. In fiscal 2013 more than 33,500 employees generated sales of around €12.7 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of about €2.0 billion.

Disclaimer

In so far as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this press release or where our statements concern the future, these forecasts, expectations or statements may involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may vary, depending on changes in the operating environment. Neither Evonik Industries AG nor its group companies assume an obligation to update the forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release.