Evonik merges two lines
Submitted by:
Andrew Warmington
Evonik has merged its Silica and Silanes business lines into a new entity called Smart Effects. This will employ about 3,500 and will be part of ‘Advanced Technologies’ within the new company organisation. Emmanuel Auer has been named as its head.
Lauren Kjeldsen, president of Smart Materials division described this as “a strategic step … to strengthen the financing power of our complementary Silanes, precipitated and fumed Silica technology platforms. By combining our expertise in molecular silane chemistry and silica particle design, we can deliver differentiated solutions that add value to our customers with a tailored portfolio approach,” she said.
Key markets for Smart Effects include automotive and tyres, where the combination of silica and silanes is already producing ‘green tyres’; electronics, with high-purity silica, metal oxides and silanes essential for lithium-ion batteries, semiconductors, displays, and other components; consumer health and nutrition; and building protection.