Degussa and Jilin create joint-venture in China to develop PEEK and PES

Representatives from Germany’s Degussa group and China’s Jilin University have signed an agreement to create a joint venture in high temperature polymers under the JIDA Degussa name.

The jv’s aim is to develop and manufacture polyetherketone (PEEK) and polyethersulphone (PES) engineering polymers with the university acting as the technology provider. The target markets include automotive engineering, electronics and aerospace.

Degussa chairman Utz-Hellmuth Felcht said: “The joint venture enables Degussa to strengthen its presence in a Chinese high tech market with growth rates of over 10%.” Ownership is divided between Degussa (80%) with Jilin University holding the remainder. The agreement formalises the precontract signed last December.