Arkema has announced that it now has received Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approval for commercial sales of its Graphistrength multiwall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in the U.S.

This approval gives the green light to Arkema Inc., Arkema's U.S. subsidiary, to assist its existing and prospective customers in the U.S. currently conducting research and application tests involving CNTs with their commercial development on a larger scale. The company said they expect to see a boost in the worldwide sales of its Graphistrength masterbatches, which are already available in Europe and Asia.

Since it first began producing CNTs in 2006, Arkema has sought to develop a whole range of high added-value masterbatches designed to optimize the performance of CNTs in polymer matrices (thermoplastic, elastomer and thermoset).

In September 2009, Arkema announced the construction of a 400 t/y CNT pilot production plant in France. The plant is due to come on stream early 2011.