Evonik launches novel VESTAMID® polyamide elastomer foam

A new modification of Evonik’s established polyamide elastomer VESTAMID® PEBA is now available. Drawing on expertise built up over four decades, the polyether block amide can now be foamed, making a density of 0.1 g/cm³possible. The resulting foam has a rebound resilience of 73 percent and does not change its property profile in either hot or cold conditions.

VESTAMID® PEBA was introduced to the market by Evonik more than 40 years ago. From the outset, it was distinguished by its excellent low-temperature impact strength, chemical resistance, high elasticity, and good recovery behavior. These properties are valued by leading sporting goods manufacturers for use in sports shoes. The development of the foam now allows even greater cushioning in sports shoe soles, while retaining all the other properties of the compact material. The rebound of VESTAMID® foam far exceeds that of all soft foams previously used in shoes. At the same time, it returns most of the energy absorbed. Its stiffness can be adjusted as required, and its low weight ensures high wearing comfort.

The properties of the foam allow it to be used not only in sports shoes, but also in the automotive sector, for example.

COMPANY INFORMATION
Evonik is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals. The company is active in more than 100 countries around the world and generated sales of €12.2 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of €1.91 billion in 2020. Evonik goes far beyond chemistry to create innovative, profitable and sustainable solutions for customers. About 33,000 employees work together for a common purpose: We want to improve life today and tomorrow.

ABOUT SMART MATERIALS
The Smart Materials division includes businesses with innovative materials that enable resource-saving solutions and replace conventional materials. They are the smart answer to the major challenges of our time: environment, energy efficiency, urbanization, mobility and health. The Smart Materials division generated sales of around €3.24 billion in 2020 with about 7,900 employees.