Arkema introduced a portfolio of sustainable, high-performance composite materials at JEC World 2026 in Paris (March 10-12), targeting lightweighting and circularity in the automotive and aerospace sectors. The releases feature recyclable Elium® resins, fully biobased Rilsan® Polyamide 11, UDX® carbon-fiber tapes, high-performance Kepstan® PEKK polymers, and Zenimid™ polyimides, reflecting Arkema's focus on environmental and industrial requirements.
Background
Arkema has developed thermoplastic and sustainable composites to address rising demands for recyclability and circularity. Elium® resin, a liquid thermoplastic, enables composite recycling through both depolymerization and mechanical recovery processes. Partnerships with Composite Recycling, Groupe Beneteau, Veolia, Owens Corning, and Chomarat demonstrate strategic collaboration in advancing recycling technologies[1]. Rilsan® Polyamide 11, produced from renewable castor oil feedstock, expands the company's sustainability portfolio and has been applied in hydrogen storage and transportation composites[1].
Details
At JEC World, Arkema highlighted composite circularity with a boat hull component manufactured using Elium® resin in partnership with industry collaborators[1]. The ZEPHIR project-a speed board utilizing Elium® resin-was presented to showcase high-performance, recyclable infused composites[1].
In mobility, Bostik, an Arkema division, introduced Primer Prep DB. This heat-activated primer enables vehicle component disassembly without damaging adjacent materials, addressing end-of-life recycling for automotive manufacturers[1].
Biobased materials were prominent in the display. Rilsan® Polyamide 11, made from renewable sources, was featured for use in composite applications across transportation, sports, and consumer goods, and as high-pressure hydrogen tank liners[1]. UDX® unidirectional tapes, containing bio-based PA11 and PPA thermoplastic polymers, support structural uses and hydrogen storage. Through the European Roadthrypp program, Arkema, Air Liquide, and Covess are developing Type V high-pressure hydrogen vessels with liner integration enabled by UDX® tapes; a section of the tank was shown at the booth[1].
For the aerospace sector, Arkema presented Kepstan® PEKK, a semi-crystalline polymer that delivers high mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and fire performance for weldable, high-rate composite aerostructures. Applicability was demonstrated with a composite profile fabricated by Hutchinson using Hexcel HexPly® PEKK/34%/UD194/IM7[1]. PI Advanced Materials' Zenimid™ polyimide films were also featured, providing ultra-wide thermal stability (from approximately -270°C to over 400°C), dimensional stability, chemical and flame resistance, and electrical insulation, facilitating use in aerospace, automotive, electronics, and industrial composites[1].
Outlook
Arkema's JEC World 2026 presentation underscored its strategic alignment of composite innovation with sustainability, through recyclable materials and biobased technologies across industry segments. Ongoing collaborations, such as those within the European Roadthrypp program, indicate continued potential for scaling these solutions in automotive and aerospace manufacturing.
