Clariant enhances technology platform for functional coatings and composites by acquiring KiON
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Clariant has acquired KiON Corporation, a U.S. firm located in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania. KiON, by reason of its patented manufacturing process, is the world's only supplier of cost competitive polysilazane resins and composites thereof. This acquisition is a major milestone in Clariant's strategy of bringing to market innovative technology for the coatings and ceramics industries. To secure Clariant's polysilazane increased production requirements, and to expand its capacity, Clariant has acquired Chemtreat Composites India, Pvt., Ltd.
Polysilazanes are silicon-containing polymers that can be used to produce coatings on a wide variety of substrates. These coatings, being only a few micrometers thick, have excellent adhesive properties, making them ideal for various protective functions. Polysilazanes are also precursors to silicon carbide and silicon nitride ceramics. In addition to ceramic coatings, these preceramic polymers are used to produce both ceramic fibers and the matrices for three-dimensional ceramic matrix composites (CMCs). Such ceramic composites, which are lightweight and combine high strength and toughness with exceptional high temperature durability, are suitable for applications in which other materials do not perform. Some applications, for instance, include components used in aircraft, turbine engines, microelectronics, and in highly corrosive environments.