BASF launches new specialty monomer HPCA
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Successfully used in clearcoat systems with cost-efficiency and processing benefits
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Acrylate monomer with free carbamate group for a broad range of applications
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Industrial implementation of a white biotechnology process for manufacturing new specialty monomers
Ludwigshafen, Germany – July 13, 2011 – BASF is launching the high-performance product hydroxypropyl carbamate acrylate (HPCA), a crosslinking acrylate monomer. The new specialty monomer shortens the processing time for the manufacture of carbamate based polymers. Compared with currently existing processes, HPCA enables crosslinkable carbamate units to be incorporated into the polymer in just one step. The usual two-step procedure is no longer necessary. In addition to the shorter manufacturing process, HPCA also offers positive features for applications.
Successfully used in clearcoat systems HPCA has already proven itself in clearcoat systems for the automotive industry. One-component coatings with HPCA achieve a comparable performance level to two-component coatings, for example with regard to weather and scratch resistance. In contrast to two-component coatings, one-component coatings are easier to use in applications and are more cost efficient
Potential for a wide range of applications
What’s especially interesting for developers: “Due to its special chemical structure with the free carbamate group, HPCA offers additional potential for a broad range of applications in the future. With our expertise and decades of experience, we are offering to work in partnership with our customers to develop new areas of application”, says Dr. Boris Breitscheidel, Business Manager Specialty Monomers. One area would be adhesives, for example. These can be hardened either thermally or using UV light. Here the free carbamate group can have a positive impact on both adhesion and cohesion, in this way making it possible to improve adhesive properties.
Industrial implementation of a white biotechnology process for manufacturing new specialty monomers BASF researchers have successfully manufactured the specific chemical structure of HPCA on a commercial scale with the help of white biotechnology. In the biocatalytic procedure, the specialty monomer is synthesized by applying an enzyme. From HPCA the carbamate-based polyacrylate can be produced then in one step. BASF has used this procedure in industrial production for the first time.
BASF Specialty Monomers
BASF’s specialty monomers product area develops, manufactures and markets a broad portfolio of acrylates and methacrylates used in utomotive coatings, decorative paints, industrial coatings and adhesives as well as paper production, water treatment and personal care. Specialty Monomers are part of the Petrochemicals division. www.specialty-monomers.basf.com
About BASF
BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and agricultural products to oil and gas. As a reliable partner BASF creates chemistry to help its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful. With its high-value products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility. BASF posted sales of about €63.9 billion in 2010 and had approximately 109,000 employees as of the end of the year. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com or in its Social Media Newsroom at newsroom.basf.com.