Press release
Dynasylan
October 17, 2013

Tin-free crosslinking of polyethylene with Dynasylan® SILFIN

At the K 2013, the Inorganic Materials Business Unit of Evonik Industries will present Dynasylan® SILFIN 201 and Dynasylan® SILFIN 202, the first Dynasylan® SILFIN types containing tin-free catalysts.

These products can be used for crosslinking polyethylene with the Monosil® process for the production of high-performance cables. Cable manufacturers around the world currently rely on the tin-organic compound dibutyltin dilaurate (DBTDL) as a standard catalyst for this process. Although organic tin compounds offer excellent physical and chemical properties, they are classified as critically toxic and may be released into the environment both during processing and use, potentially harming the health of human and animals.

The experts of Inorganic Materials thought it was about time to research alternatives. Dynasylan® SILFIN 100, which contains the less critical dioctyltin dilaurate (DOTDL) as a catalyst, represents the first milestone on the way toward a tin-free catalyst. The good news for cable manufacturers is that Dynasylan® SILFIN 06 can be easily replaced with Dynasylan® SILFIN 100 without any need to change formulations or the parameters of the extrusion process.

"Catalysts that will not require any tin in the long term not only make an effective contribution to better health and environmental protection, but also expand the market for conventional and new applications in the production of cables and pipes," says Michael Gattermann, who is the head of the Silanes Business Line.

Company information

Evonik, the creative industrial group from Germany, is one of the world leaders
in specialty chemicals. Profitable growth and a sustained increase in the value of the company form the heart of Evonik's corporate strategy. Its activities focus on the key megatrends health, nutrition, resource efficiency and globalization. Evonik benefits specifically from its innovative prowess and integrated technology platforms.

Evonik is active in over 100 countries around the world. In fiscal 2012 more than 33,000 employees generated sales of around €13.4 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of about €2.4 billion (excluding Real Estate in both cases).

Disclaimer

In so far as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this press release or where our statements concern the future, these forecasts, expectations or statements may involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may vary, depending on changes in the operating environment. Neither Evonik Industries AG nor its group companies assume an obligation to update the forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release.