Evonik to set up research centre for silanes in Germany

German specialty chemicals company Evonik Industries is making an investment in the double-digit-million euro range in a new research centre at the Rheinfelden site, Germany. Starting at the beginning of 2016, research into silanes will be carried out in modern laboratories in the four-story building. Silanes are used in the electronics, tyre, adhesives and sealants, plastics and construction industries. Application engineering, analytics, and quality management will also be located in the new research centre in the future. The centre fits in perfectly with the integrated silane chemical production network in Rheinfelden, which encompasses research, development, application technology, and production.
 
Explaining the importance of silane research, Ralph Marquardt, Head of Innovation in the Inorganic Materials Business Unit, said, “Evonik is the global market leader for functional silanes. We make target-oriented investments to build on this position. In this context, first-class research and application engineering are a key factor for further positive development.”
 
Peter Dettelmann, Head of the Rheinfelden site, explained its focus of activity as follows, “The silanes we are researching into here make chips in smartphones faster and more efficient, protect buildings from corrosion and dirt, and enable fuel-saving tires or long-lasting paints. We are delighted to construct a building using sustainable techniques for this.”
 
Evonik produces silanes at its sites in Rheinfelden (Germany), Antwerp (Belgium), Rizhao (China), Mobile (USA), and Weston (USA). The specialty chemical company also operates laboratories for application technology support and regionally specialised research for silanes in China, India, Germany, and the US.