Evonik (Essen / Germany; www.evonik.com) is investing an undisclosed amount in a 20% capacity expansion of its “Rohacell” polymethacrylimide foam capacity in Darmstadt / Germany. The added output is due to be brought on stream in H2 2017. The company does not disclose its nameplate capacities. The German group said the expansion, which will be brought about by additional production equipment, comes in response to double-digit growth for Rohacell, and expectations for future gains as well.

A rigid foam product, Rohacell is used as a core material in the construction of sandwich composites, which in turn find application in the aerospace, automotive, marine, sports, E&E and medical technology segments. The ultra-light material is capable of withstanding high temperatures and pressures, Evonik said.

In addition to the facility in Darmstadt – its first producing the performance foam – Evonik also operates Rohacell plants in Mobile, Alabama / USA, and in January this year started up a facility in Shanghai / China (see Plasteurope.com of 11.02.2016).