German chemical firm Evonik has launched Smart Effects, a new entity counting 3,500 employees worldwide, as a result of the merger of its silica and silanes business lines that will be part of “Advanced Technologies” within the new company organisation.
Effective as at 1 January, the merger business will target markets including automotive and tyre sectors, electronics, consumer health and nutrition, building protection industries.
In the tyre industry, the combination of silica and silanes has proven successful, especially in producing green tyres that enhance fuel efficiency and safety, says the company. This integrated approach will continue to drive advancements in joint silica and silane applications, technical processes, and asset networks.
In the electronics sector, Smart Effects will supply high-purity silica, metal oxides, and silanes essential for lithium-ion batteries, semiconductors, displays, and other components, supporting the industry’s green transformation.
Evonik is also pioneering innovations like new adsorbents for Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology. This system uses surface-modified silica carriers with amino silanes to effectively remove CO2 from the atmosphere.
The business will support customers in over 100 countries with local sales teams and regional technology centres.
“The new business line is a strategic step by Evonik to strengthen the financing power of our complementary Silanes, precipitated and fumed Silica technology platforms,” stated Lauren Kjeldsen, President of Smart Materials Division at Evonik. “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.”