Radici Brazil engages in growth of high-performance fibres

January 22, 2014 - Brazil

RadiciGroup, one of the world’s leading producers of nylon 6 and 6.6, continues to produce special technical fibres at its Brazilian site.
 
Using its know-how on the production of precursor for carbon-fibre, Radici Fibras Ltda is engaged in R&D work on the development of high-performance technical fibres and fibre precursor (PAN) for carbon fibre, while continuing its core business of nylon fibre production.
 
RadiciGroup, a leading producer of nylon fibres in South America and Europe, is carrying on research and development on the production of polymer fibre precursor (PAN – polyacrylonitrile) for carbon fibre at its Radici Fibras Ltda production site in Brazil.
 
The Brazilian plant, located in São José dos Campos, was acquired by RadiciGroup in 1998. Following the recent suspension of acrylic fibre production, the Brazilian site is now focusing on the production of nylon 6 synthetic fibres, while continuing its experimental development work on the production of special technical fibres, such as cement fibre, and PAN carbon-fibre precursor.
 
“Our experience and know-how in the production of synthetic fibres, from polymerization to spinning have allowed us, over the years, to carry on fruitful research on the development of high-performance technical fibres, particularly precursor fiber for carbon fibre. Because of the sharp drop in domestic acrylic fibre consumption that has taken place in the Brazilian market since 2010”, said Maurizio Radici, vice president and COO of RadiciGroup.
 
Mr. Radici continued, “We were forced to suspend the production of this product, but at the same time we have continued to strengthen our core businesses, nylon fibres and engineering plastics, and to focus on the development of specialty fibres. 
 
“We are the only ones in Brazil with the facilities and qualified personnel needed for the experimental production of carbon fibre precursor polyacrylonitrile fibre, which we already produce for third parties in small quantities in our pilot plants at Radici Fibres. With the know-how acquired in this field, we are now evaluating projects for the conversion of the part of the site formerly used for acrylic fibre production, aimed to an industrial production of PAN carbon-fibre precursor.”
 
With production sites in South America (Argentina and Brazil) and Europe (Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Czech Republic and Romania), RadiciGroup is a world-leading producer of a wide range of nylon and polyester synthetic fibres. Synergistic vertical integration and know-how in polyamide production are the key strengths of the Group. 
 
Thorough knowledge of production processes – from polymerization to spinning – and complete masteryof innovative production and processing technologies make RadiciGroup an organization capable of supplying the best products in terms of quality, innovation and sustainability.