Arkema and Italian company Sireg Geotech have partnered to create a bendable composite rebar, an alternative to traditional steel reinforcement for the construction sector.  

This new product, based on Arkema's Elium resin and Sireg's Glasspree TP bars, is said to offer double the tensile strength of steel. 

Using the Elium thermoplastic resin, the fibreglass bars are noted to be stronger than steel but also 75% lighter.  

The bars have a corrosion-proof nature, chemical resistance, and dimensional stability under extreme thermal changes. 

In addition, the bars are fully recyclable, contributing to the energy efficiency of structures and reducing the carbon footprint associated with maintenance. 

Arkema's Elium thermoplastic resin is credited with delivering major gains in productivity and flexibility in the supply of composite reinforcement.  

This advancement is expected to improve the overall profitability of construction projects.  

Sireg CEO Sonja Blanc said: “Glasspree TP bars were developed through cooperation between Sireg and Arkema.  

“They represent an innovation in the reinforcement of concrete structures as well as a new benchmark in terms of safety, reliability, and sustainability.” 

The potential applications for Sireg's Glasspree TP bars range from the construction and maintenance of buildings, bridges, and tunnels to marine and coastal structures. 

For bridge construction, these materials are said to ensure an estimated service life of up to 100 years, twice that of traditional steel.  

The product development comes after Arkema signed long-term renewable energy agreements for its sites in Calvert City, Beaumont, Chatham, and more across the US earlier this week.