Arkema Boosts Battery Offering with Polytec PT Buy

Arkema is acquiring Polytec PT, a German company specializing in developing and manufacturing specialty adhesives and thermal interface materials for the electronic, electrical and automotive industries. The transaction is expected to close during the current quarter; financial terms were not disclosed.

Part of the Polytec Group, Polytec PT has annual sales of about €15 million and operates two main production sites in Karlsbad and Maxdorf. Its portfolio includes electrically and/or thermally conductive adhesives and potting compounds, UV-curable adhesives, products for high-temperature applications, and removable, thermally conductive gap fillers.

Polytec PT added that it has also built a solid position in the market for thermal management materials, which are key to enable fast charging and effective heat dissipation of batteries in electric vehicles.

The acquisition is a unique opportunity for Bostik’s and Polytec PT's teams, who already collaborate on new solutions, allowing them to accelerate developments and become a significant player in the thermal interface materials and electronics markets, Polytec PT said.

According to Arkema, the deal will enable Bostik to reach a turnover of around €50 million after five years in these particular applications.

Achim Wiessler, Polytec PT’s managing director, commented: “We can bring in our strong expertise in thermally conductive products to support Bostik's and Arkema's strategy to offer a complete portfolio of innovative materials for inside and outside battery cells. Bostik's global presence and strong development expertise will further accelerate our growth in the battery market, especially outside Europe.”

Last month, Arkema announced that it had launched its Incellion range of waterborne acrylic solutions for high-capacity anodes, cathode primers and ceramic-coated separators.

The French group said the new range allows battery manufacturers to optimize their formulations of electrode and separator solutions tailored for both existing and next-generation cell components, resulting in faster charging, longer life-cycle durability and increased energy density.

Author: Elaine Burridge, Freelance Journalist