Press release
VESTAMID
May 2, 2017

Evonik’s VESTAMID® satisfy the stringent new EN 45545 fire protection standard

A new grade of polyamide 12 from Evonik meets the stringent EN 45545 fire protection standard for rail vehicles. VESTAMID® LX9115 is flame retardant and is distinguished by low toxicity and smoke density.

Beginning in April 2016, more stringent requirements have been defined in the new EN 45545 fire protection standard to improve the overall safety of the equipment against the fire behavior of materials and components used in rail vehicles. In order to meet the stringent EN 45545 standard, Evonik’s Resource Efficiency Segment has developed a new VESTAMID® molding compound based on polyamide 12 (PA 12) that is flame retardant and meets the required values for toxicity and smoke density defined in the standard.

The new PA 12 compound is marketed under the tradename VESTAMID® LX9115 and is a technology leading PA 12 compound developed to meet EN 45545. Besides fulfilling the stringent fire behavior, VESTAMID®LX9115 possesses excellent resistance against dynamic stress and impact even in the lower temperature range. The new black colored compound opens up new design possibilities for cables and cable conduits applied in sensitive interior as well as exterior applications; the coloration does not affect the outstanding fire protection properties. In addition to rail applications, VESTAMID® LX9115 may be used in any other areas requiring a high degree of fire protection.

Evonik produces a range of VESTAMID® polyamide 12 products with customized properties, whether for automotive applications, electronics, petroleum production, or photovoltaics; in close collaboration with customers, these products have been continually adapted over 50 years to meet the needs of innovative, high-grade applications.

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. Evonik benefits specifically from its innovative prowess and integrated technology platforms. Evonik is active in over 100 countries around the world with more than 35,000 employees. In fiscal 2016 the enterprise generated sales of around €12.7 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of about €2.165 billion.

About Resource Efficiency

The Resource Efficiency segment is led by Evonik Resource Efficiency GmbH and supplies high performance materials for environmentally friendly as well as energy-efficient systems to the automotive, paints & coatings, adhesives, construction, and many other industries. This segment employed about 9,000 employees, and generated sales of around €4.5 billion in 2016.

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.