Celanese Acquires Conductive Plastics Compounder

On the same day it declared record earnings per share, Celanese announced the acquisition of specialty compounder Cool Polymers Inc., targeting the North Kingstown, R.I. company’s portfolio of thermally conductive polymers, marketed as CoolPoly.

 

In a release, Celanese specifically mentioned the CoolPoly E-Series and CoolPoly D-Series, which, depending on the grade, offer thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, electrical insulation, or a mix thereof, in standard pellet form. In addition, the company mentioned the CoolPoly Elastomer line of thermally conductive elastomers for both electrically conductive and insulative materials. The E and D Series compounds utilize PP, PA, PBT, PPS, LCP, TPE, PPA and PC as carrier resins.

 

Not mentioned was Cool Polymer’s Xyloy injection moldable metal, which the company described as “lightweight alloys processed on standard injection molding equipment to produce 3-dimensional net shape parts in high volume.”

 

Asked about that particular technology, a Celanese representative said the company is not acquiring the Xyloy line of injection moldable metal products. “Celanese has acquired the assets previously operated as Cool Polymers, including compounding facilities in Rhode Island, intellectual property and patents, customer contracts, and technology assets,” the representative wrote in response to e-mailed questions, adding that key Cool Polymers management personnel and employees are now Celanese employees.

 

According to the spokesperson, Cool Polymers brings formulation, prototyping, molding and testing capabilities that complement Celanese’s expertise in polymer chemistry, compounding operations and part design. The acquisition also aids key strategic areas of focus for Celanese, including metal replacement, lightweighting and energy management.

 

“Celanese sees substantial opportunity to create value with the acquisition of Cool Polymers based on Cool Polymers’ strong technology position and application development expertise; Celanese’s polymer formulation and compounding capabilities; and global demand from our customers for these innovative materials,” the spokesperson wrote.