Arkema has acquired a majority stake in AEC Polymers, a French manufacturer of structural adhesives. AEC Polymers recently developed a range of methacrylate glues (SAF range) based on an Arkema technology. AEC Polymers will join the Group's new products and new technologies incubator.

Structural adhesives are increasingly used in industry to assemble composite materials, plastics, glass and metals. In the example of metals, the properties obtained are equivalent or superior to welding.

Growth in the structural adhesives market is driven by the quest for lighter materials used in transport (automotive, aerospace, shipbuilding, etc.), the increasing role of plastics in electronics and household electricals (miniaturization), and the development of wind power and alternative energies.

AEC Polymers was created in 2003, employs 25 people near Bordeaux (France), and manufactures a range of methacrylatebased structural adhesives (two-component adhesives based on an Arkema technology) and MS polymers (sealants curable at ambient moisture). It reports sales of €3.5 million.