Page 16 - Plastcs News January 2019

CompAny news

Braskem to expand its Innovation TCS and Brabham partners to

Center at Brazil develop advanced material

raskem the largest producer of thermoplastic resins in otal Composite Solutions (TCS) Ltd and Brabham
Bthe Americas and the largest producer of polypropylene TAutomotive collaborate to form a partnership for
in the United States, will expand its innovation structure the development of advanced material and process
in Brazil with an investment of R$50 million.The expansion for the present and future vehicle builds. Brabham
includes the construction of a new 2,800-square-meter has restarted manufacturing with the global launch of
building at Braskem’s Technology and Innovation Center Brabham Automotive’s first product, the stunning BT62,
located in the Triunfo Petrochemical Complex in the state which is built from lightweight carbon fibre, weighing
of Rio Grande do Sul. The center has planned to receive only 972kg, the BT62’s exterior surface and aggressive
new equipment and laboratories for developing and testing aerodynamic package combine to reach an optimal
technologies for the production of thermoplastic resins balance between function and form. With the current
around the world. Braskem has six pilot plants. market-leading material technology and processing,
including prepregs, advanced resins, and adhesive
systems, TCS will further develop bespoke lighter,
stiffer structural and cosmetic material solutions
offering the “true drivers car”.
“This announcement symbolizes the Brabham ethos
of collaboration. Our partnership with TCS will allow
us to engineer to the highest standards of vehicle
engineering”, said, Christian Reynolds, Director of
Brabham Automotive. He, added, “This strategic
The expansion with new equipment and techniques will relationship will deliver true innovation on the vehicle
complement the site’s existing competencies, which already aesthetic through bespoke carbon designs for our
has six pilot plants. Advanced polymer characterization customers. We are able to present the perfect balance
laboratories that include chromatography, polymer of vehicle functionality and form on the Brabham BT62.
cracking, and microscopy analyses, as well as catalysis Our goal has always been to harmonize technical and
and petrochemical process technology laboratories, are aesthetic design, allowing us to present and showcase
going to be housed in the additional space.Gilfranque
Leite, Global Innovation Director, Braskem, said, “Triunfo’s
ITC was the first to develop technologies such as green
polyethylene, which continue to be improved and are
leading to the development of new materials, such as
Green EVA, which was launched this year. In June, a new
concept developed at the ITC, namely recycled plastic resin
(3R) with enhanced quality and strength, was introduced
at an event in Vancouver. Another highlight in 2018 was
the launch of the Braskem Evance line of innovative, high-
performance resins featuring advanced customization for
applications in the footwear, automotive and construction uncompromised quality and our partnership with TCS
industries. Another noteworthy development is the high will provide the perfect platform for us to continue to
quality technical education in the region, where we have
excellent people being trained and qualified to work in deliver on this goal.” Brabham Automotive, founded by
Braskem’s laboratories coming from institutions such as Sir Jack Brabham the only, driver to win a Formula 1
SENAI, UFRGS and PUCRS.” World Championship in a car of his own construction.

Plastics News Januar y 2019 16