Specialty chemicals company Evonik’s composites plant at Marl, Germany for coating membranes used in organic solvent nanofiltration and gas separation has become operational.

The plant is coating thin membrane films with silicone and other materials. The coated membranes are further made solvent-resistant or gas-tight, spiral-wound modules.

The investment made in this plant is a step towards expansion of its membrane portfolio.

“The start-up of the thin film composite plant is a consistent step in our growth plan for the attractive membrane business,” Dr. Matthias Kottenhahn, head of high performance polymers business line at Evonik stated.

“It gives our customers direct access to an advanced membrane technology for resource-efficient material separation,” he added.

The newly started plant also marked the production launch of two new products – Duramem and Puramem membranes.

Their market introduction is planned for the second half of the current year. (MCJ)