JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #84 - October 2013 - 5

that are among the basic
segments strongly linked to GDP
trends in both industrialized
and emerging countries. The
recent affiliation of PCCR in
the USA actually increased the
number of our production plants
from 9 to 13, responding to the
need to catch opportunities in a
promising market scenario for
these segments. Combining our
different cultures and sharing
our marketing and scientific
knowledge will contribute to the
expansion of our product portfolio and offer. Polynt's aim is to
push forward this strategy.

studies focus on enhancing
the durability and mechanical
properties of composites, as
well as developing sustainable
solutions. In this respect, the
recent development of new highdurability products for coatings
and gelcoats, high-performance
vinylesters for carbon-fibre
composites (for industrial and
domestic wind turbines), hightoughness vinylesters for composites (helmets, boat masts)
and a green resin range should be
underlined.

JCM: How do you direct your R&D
efforts?

M.L. : Polynt has been engaged

M.L. : Our R&D projects are

oriented according to market
needs and profitability criteria.
Besides the technical development of current applications, the
resources available at Polynt's
and PCCR's R&D centres are
devoted to identifying new
trends and new markets. Current

Fig.2: Domestic wind turbine, a growing market

JCM: What type of «green»
solutions can you provide?

in reducing the environmental
impact of resins since the 80's.
Today, we can boast a wide range
of low-emission and low-styrene
resins suitable for a broad array of
applications. We have developed
styrene-free resins for special
segments where the absence of
styrene is a must.
Moreover, great effort has been

devoted to identifying further
routes towards green chemistry
during the past years. Our researchers succeeded in developing
resins having up to 55% carbon
from renewable sources.
A further step is the support proposed to our customers in order
to reduce energy consumption
and waste production. Both
contribute to reducing our
carbon footprint along the pro-

JCM: What do you think of the
growing share of thermoplastics
in the composites market?

M.L. :Unsaturated polyes-

ters are a well-known class of
thermoset polymers. Many
consider UP resin as a poor
polymer because it is one of the
least expensive and its properties are often not comparable
with those of the more famous
thermoplastics. However, due to
the flexibility of its technology
and the unlimited combinations of raw materials, it is one
of the most versatile polymers
ever invented. The key success
parameters for future applications will be high performance,
low production costs (speed,
workability) and reliability. The
proven experience of UP producers and their consolidated case
histories can guarantee all these
needs are met. n
More information:
www.polynt.com

Fig. 1: Synoptic table of Polynt's Portfolio

of finished goods. The company's business model comprises the research and development, production and sale
of specific chemical intermediates for polymers, catalysts
and compounds. Its products are used in the production of
plastics, paints, inks and adhesives, electrical and electronic materials and components, paper and lubricants, and,

duction chain.

to a lesser extent, in the agrochemicals and food ingredients
sectors. Its compounds are used in the transportation,
construction and electrical industries.
Polynt also produces catalysts and develops process technologies used in-house for its production facilities or licensed
to third parties (see Fig.1).

No84 October 2013 /

jec composites magazine 5

http://www.polynt.com

JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #84 - October 2013

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #84 - October 2013