News
FAPU 47 - März / April 2008
Albemarle - New Hal-Free ANTIBLAZE(R) Flame Retardant Protects Flexible FoamsFlexible foam producers and users now have an extremely effective and more environmentally appealing alternative for flame retarding the foams used in furniture and automobile seats, thanks to an innovation from Albemarle Corporation.
ANTIBLAZE(R) 117HF is a new, halogen-free, safe and highly effective flame retardant for flexible foams. Additional benefits of ANTIBLAZE 117HF flame retardant are its high efficiency - achieving the same reliable protection as existing flame retardants with up to 30 percent less product - and excellent non-scorching performance.
ANTIBLAZE 117HF flame retardant is produced at Albemarle's Orangeburg, S.C. facility and is now commercially available.
Albemarle to Raise Prices of Brominated Flame RetardantsAlbemarle Corporation will increase the global prices for most of its brominated flame retardants effective April 1, 2008, or as contracts allow.
Specific price increases for flame retardants follow:
US$ 0.20/kg - SAYTEX(R) 102E
US$ 0.35/kg - SAYTEX CP-2000
US$ 0.40/kg - SAYTEX 8010
US$ 0.40/kg - SAYTEX 4010
US$ 0.50/kg - SAYTEX HP-7010
US$ 0.50/kg - SAYTEX HP-3010
US$ 0.20/kg - SAYTEX RB-49
US$ 0.60/kg - SAYTEX BT-93
10th anniversary of BASF's neopentyl glycol plantThe neopentyl glycol (NPG) plant of BASF at Ludwigshafen has turned 10 in December 2007. BASF had started up a world-scale plant in 1997, replacing a much smaller facility. In 2007, the capacity of this plant was raised by 10,000 metric tons per annum. This expansion is due to the fact that the demand for NPG keeps rising around the globe, mainly in coating applications. BASF is now the only company that has NPG production facilities in Europe, NAFTA and Asia with a total annual capacity of 165,000 metric tons worldwide. BASF now a European company (SE)The conversion of BASF Aktiengesellschaft into a European Company (Societas Europaea, SE) was officially completed on Jan. 14th 2008 with the entry of the name in the commercial register of the Ludwigshafen district court. As of this day, the company's name is BASF SE. The conversion process thus took less than 12 months. The new commercial register number is HRB 6000.
The Supervisory Board of BASF consists with immediate effect of 12 members: six shareholder representatives and six employee representatives. The first Supervisory Board will govern until the Annual Meeting 2009. Also with immediate effect, BASF SE has established a new European works council (BASF Europa Betriebsrat) consisting of 23 members from 12 European countries. The headquarters and chief administrative offices of BASF SE will remain in Ludwigshafen.
Latest news about two-component processes
 The SkinForm® process is being used for the first time for a serially produced part in automotive construction, namely, for the headrest of the latest Mercedes-Benz models of the C-, S-, M-, R- and GL- class. The thermoplastic support of the rear headrest cover is made of Terblend® N NM-19, BASF's ABS/PA blend. This plastic is easy to process and adheres very well to polyurethane, whose soft outside exhibits a leather-like grain and feel. The functional plastic part of the headrest is manufactured by Schenk Plastic Solutions GmbH in Esslingen, Germany.
The SkinForm® process was showcased at the K 2004 plastics trade fair by its developers, KraussMaffei Technologies GmbH, Rühl Puromer and Schenk Plastic Solutions.
BASF opens polyurethane system house in Melbourne, AustraliaJanuary 30, 2008 - BASF today opened a new polyurethane system house in Altona, Melbourne, which will bring its locally manufactured high quality system solutions closer to customers in Australia and New Zealand. At the same time, it will allow BASF to respond faster to its customers' needs and provide the necessary flexibility to react to changes in the market.
"Construction, automotive and mining markets have all grown significantly in the last few years in Australia and New Zealand. As a result, there is a huge demand for polyurethanes. As the world's market leader in polyurethanes, we strongly believe that we will bring the best polyurethane system products to customers in Australia and New Zealand, adding value to their business with innovative solutions," said Jacques Dolomitize, President of BASF's Polyurethanes division.
The new facility has the latest in engineering design for polyol blending and a technical and quality control laboratory. The laboratory will also connect customers in Australia and New Zealand with the latest innovations via the global BASF System House Network.
Bayer MaterialScience raises prices for aliphatic HDI derivates and aromatic polyisocyanatesEffective February 1, 2008, Bayer MaterialScience has raised its sales prices for polyisocyanates in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) region. This concerns the two product groups aliphatic HDI derivates (Desmodur® N, Desmodur® BL) and aromatic polyisocyanates (Desmodur® L, Desmodur® IL, Desmodur® HL). The increase will be at least
€ 0.40/kg for the aliphatic HDI derivates (Desmodur® N, Desmodur® BL) and € 0.15/kg for the aromatic polyisocyanates (Desmodur® L, Desmodur® IL, Desmodur® HL). All contractual obligations in force at the time of this release remain unaffected.
Bayer MaterialScience acquires intellectual property from Collins & AikmanBayer MaterialScience has purchased the thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) related intellectual property rights from Collins & Aikman (C&A). In this way, Bayer MaterialScience is extending its portfolio for TPU molded skins used in instrument panels in the vehicle interior. Financial details of the transaction were not being disclosed.
The intellectual property rights acquired comprise different TPU formulations and patents and the expertise that goes with it. The thermoplastic "size-reduction technologies" developed by C&A were a critical factor in the decision to buy. These "micro-" and "mini-beading" methods lend powder particles a specific shape and a size distribution that enables superior flow in the mold during the melting process. TPU grades produced in this way are ideal for slush molding (sintering), for which Bayer MaterialScience already holds a wide range of patents.
The formulations are aliphatic TPU grades which are lightfast and therefore do not discolour over time when exposed to UV light. Aliphatics of this kind do not have to be post-painted or in-mold coated, thus saving OEMs and part manufacturers the outlay and expense of applying a coating to the finished instrument panels and interior parts. In the future, Bayer MaterialScience is looking to offer the relevant TPU product in the form of a colored powder that exactly matches the interior colors specified by the OEM.
BBG - 12 percent growth in turnover for 2008 BBG GmbH & CO. Kg has successfully used the last financial year 2007, to expand in the solar business. Thus, an important step was achieved by implementing its strategy „5/50", with the goal to make half of its turn over derive from customers outside of the automotive industry within the next five years. Until now most customers were related to this sector, mainly internationally dealing OEMs.
In total, BBG had a turnover of around about 6.5 million Euros in 2007, traditionally with it's focus on machinery and plant construction, mainly for mould carrier systems and production units for glass encapsulation with polyurethane. Also of growing importance is BBG's supply of service business. Due to a significant increase of demand in Germany, the foreign part of turnover dropped to 65 percent compared to 70 percent in 2006. Whereas sales in Asia (1/3 of the export) are still increasing, demand from European countries slowed down in 2007. A significant part of this success has been BBG's Chinese subsidiary P-PEQ with 65 employees in Changchun, which was found in 2006. For 2008, BBG expects an increase in turnover of 12 percent to 7.3 million Euro. At the same time income with non-automotive customers is expected to increase to one-third, mainly with the solar industry.
Clariant FY Results: Good Sales Growth and Substantially Increased Cash FlowClariant posted sales growth of 4% in local currencies (5% in Swiss Francs) for Full Year 2007. Sales in 2007 amounted to CHF 8.533 billion compared to CHF 8.100 billion in the previous year. Although sales in the second half of the year were not as strong as in the first half, sales in the fourth quarter recovered after a slower third quarter. In 2007 Clariant was able to raise its prices by more than 1% with an increasing momentum towards year end. However, higher selling prices were not sufficient to offset a 5% rise in raw material costs. Consequently, the gross margin decreased to 29.2% from 30.7% in 2006. Clariant's focus on cost reduction delivered results. Sales, General & Administrative (SG&A) costs expressed as a percentage of sales improved to 20.8% in 2007 from 21.3% in 2006, partly mitigating the decline in gross margin. Operating margin decreased to 6.3%. from 7.3% in 2006. Net income (after exceptional items) increased to CHF 5 million from CHF -78 million in 2006 also due to lower taxes and improved financial results.
DSM acquires American Soluol Royal DSM N.V., Netherlands, announced mid of Jan. 2008, the acquisition of the US-based company Soluol, a developer, producer and marketer of high performance urethane resins which are used in a wide range of applications, with annual sales of USD 20 million. Both parties have agreed not to disclose financial details. The acquisition of Soluol enhances DSM's specialty-resins presence in North America and adds new technology as well as a state-of-the-art production facility in Rhode Island. The acquired company will be grouped under the DSM NeoResins+ business unit.
New Dow Amines Production Facility Fully Operational in PlaquemineThe Dow Chemical Company announced that a new integrated Specialty Alkanolamines facility in Plaquemine, La., has passed all design tests and is now fully operational. According to Dow, the new production unit is unique among North American Alkanolamine production facilities because it produces both Isopropanolamine (IPA) and Alkyl Alkanolamine (AAA) products.
The new facility will give Dow extensive mix flexibility in the production of amine products to better meet the changing needs of Isopropanolamines and Alkyl Alkanolamines customers. The new plant also reduces levels of co-products and by-products common in earlier Amines operations, which results in greater overall efficiency. Dow Amines operates production facilities in North America, (Plaquemine and Hahnville, La.; Freeport and Seadrift, Texas), Europe (Terneuzen, The Netherlands), as well as in Asia Pacific at OPTIMAL Chemicals (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd, a joint venture of Union Carbide Corporation and Petroliam Nasional Berhad.
Hilding Anders enters GermanyHilding Anders is entering Germany by opening a sales operation in Frankfurt. A new sales organisation will market tailor made bedding solutions for the German market. Hilding Anders has previously been active on the German market through the subsidiary Billerbeck Group, which was acquired in 2001. The company was sold off in 2003 due to the fact that the company's production of pillows and quilts did not fit into Hilding Anders' core product mix of beds and mattresses. By establishing a sales operation in Frankfurt, Hilding Anders makes a renewed appearance in Germany. The legal name is Hilding Anders Deutschland GmbH, and the company will sell tailor made products for the German market.
LANXESS increases prices for two basic chemicalsEnd of December 2007 LANXESS has increased its prices worldwide for hexane diol (HDO) and trimethylol propane (TMP). In Europe, the price per metric ton has been increased by EUR 60 and elsewhere by USD 200. These increases are being caused by significant rises in production and transport costs and by partial adjustments to shifts in the exchange rate between the euro and the U.S. dollar. The price per metric ton of TMP has been increased by EUR 250 and elsewhere by USD 400 owing to the drastic rise in manufacturing costs.
New Product from NANO-X SiliXane® - Basis for coatings of the future
NANO-X has developed a new product group: SiliXane®.
This new class of SiliXane® binders opens new possibilities for the production of functional coating materials to improve the scratch resistance, because mechanical impacts on plastics leads to a loss in transparency and gloss and therefore to a reduction in the performance of the material.
SiliXane® binders are synthesized by combination of silane chemistry with the principles of the conventional lacquer technology to highly molecular silanes. The characteristics justify themselves particularly by the specific structure, which is characterised by the fact that the organofunctional groups of the binder are already completely cross-linked.
The Company Worlée-Chemie, located in Hamburg, Germany is Co-developer and exclusive distribution partner in Europe and with immediate effect in charge of marketing and sales for SiliXane®. In our next issue (German, May 2008) we will inform our readers in more details in a special product presentation - information in English will be available upon request.
Easy to Use - Airless Liquid Spray System Delivers High Transfer Efficiency and Smooth, Even Coating
 The ChampionTM Air-Assisted Airless (AAA) Liquid Spray System from Nordson Corporation is designed for easy adjustments to deliver smooth, even coating coverage with high transfer efficiency and minimal overspray. The Champion AAA spray system, from Nordson's Industrial Coating Systems division, is used for painting iron, wood and plastic materials. It is designed to spray a variety of coating materials, including synthetic paints, enamels, polyurethane, etc. The lightweight aluminium gun body design allows for maximum operator control and comfort, and long service life. The gun is simple to use, clean and maintain, and features a patented, self-cleaning nozzle system. Several accessories for use with the Champion AAA spray system are available, including assorted nozzles, connection hoses, cleaning needles and varying sized paint filters.
New Industrial Hoses Manual to be published in March
 The latest version of the NORRES "Industrial Hoses Manual", containing a host of product innovations, is due to be published in March. This 436-page catalogue will contain all essential information about industrial hoses and hose systems for a wide range of applications. It also describes 22 new products in the following categories: abrasion resistant polyurethane hoses, polyurethane hoses resistant to microbes and hydrolysis, full plastic hoses, metal hoses, antistatic and electrically conductive hoses, flame-retardant hoses, hoses for the food industry, chemical hoses, exhaust gas hoses, high-temperature hoses and hose connecting elements.
The structure of the new NORRES Manual is based on that of the predecessor edition published in 2004, which won an award for its user friendly layout and simple navigation in "KatalogBenchmark", the prestigious competition for catalogue design.
An innovative safety clamp system for loading and unloading silo vehicles with compatible polyurethane hose, HT-PUR high-temperature hoses made from optimised premium polyurethane that are capable of withstanding a continuous operating temperature of 125°C and AIRDUC® PUR 355 CSH, an abrasion resistant suction and transport hose with exterior folds for public utility street cleaning vehicles, are just a few of the highlights among the newly featured products.
EC approval for Perstorp caprolactones dealThe European Commission (EC) has announced their approval to the Perstorp acquisition of Solvay's caprolactones business. So the closing of the deal can be done. The EC announced on 10 January 2008 that the deal, covering the business within caprolactones and one production facility in Warrington, UK, would not distort competition within the EU since Perstorp has no existing caprolactone production facilities. Sales are global and manufacturing takes place in Warrington, England with a workforce of 65. Perstorp has the intention to double the capacity until end of second quarter of 2008. In a further step, new capacity is expected to be on stream in the first half of 2010.
New acquisition for Perstorp in China Perstorp has acquired yet another business in the Chinese province of Shandong, including a production plant for Neo (Neopentyl glycol). The acquisition consolidates Perstorp's leading position in polyols and is a natural development of the investment production made last year in China. Perstorp, which has grown strongly both organically and through company acquisitions in the past year, has, through its joint-venture company Shandong Fufeng Perstorp Chemical Co Ltd., signed an agreement with the Chinese polyol manufacturer Zibo Linzi Yongliu Chemical Industry Stock Co Ltd. for the acquisition of its Neo manufacturing business. The takeover took place at year end. Sales for 2008 are expected to amount to SEK 300 m. Yongliu is China's second largest manufacturer of Neo polyol and the manufacturing plant, with a 20,000 ton annual capacity, is located in the Linzi district of Zibo City, where Perstorp already has a production facility for the TMP (Trimethylolpropane). The acquired business has around 150 employees and has been in operation since the late 1990s. Successful business year 2007 for POLYTEC GROUPSales of POLYTEC GROUP increased in the business year 2007, as a consequence of closed acquisitions, to EUR 664 Mill. EUR. This equals an increase of 27% compared to 525 Mill. EUR in 2006. Sales of POLYTEC COMPOSITES GERMANY GROUP (former Menzolit Fibron) are included as of April 1, 2007. Sales of POLYTEC Intex (former ISE Intex) are includes as of July 1, 2007. Further more a noticeable increase in net income and hence also of earnings per share can be confirmed. As the final results for the business year 2007 will also be positively influenced by on off effects caused by effects out of the acquisitions, a detailed guidance can not be made. The final impact of these on off effects will be calculated during the consolidation process. For the business year 2008 POLYTEC GROUP expects, as a consequence of the full year effect of in 2007 acquired companies, an increase in sales to approx. 800 Mill. EUR.
The full year results 2007 will be published on April 2, 2008. The AGM is on May 21, 2008.
Rieter: Both divisions post record sales - Orders received exceed 4 billion CHF for the first timeThe Rieter Group recorded further increases in sales and orders received in the 2007 financial year against the backdrop of the high volumes already achieved in 2006. Order intake rose to 4 066.4 million CHF, 7% above the previous year's figure, and sales of 3 930.1 million CHF were 12% higher. Both figures were new records for Rieter. Worldwide automobile production in 2007 rose by 5.3% to 69.6 million vehicles. Trends diverged in Rieter Automotive Systems' two main markets, Western Europe and North America. While vehicle output declined slightly in North America, it increased by 2.4% in Western Europe. The countries in Eastern Europe, Asia and Latin America recorded significantly stronger growth in production.
The growth trend of the past five years continued at Automotive Systems in the year under review. The division's sales of 2 363.3 million CHF were 8% higher. Growth at Rieter Automotive was just as strong in the second half as in the first six months of 2007. This growth was due to its leading position as a supplier of acoustic and thermal management systems and was entirely organic. It was achieved in all economic regions by virtue of the division's worldwide presence in our customers' markets. Rieter Automotive continued to support the automotive manufacturers' goals of weight and CO2 reduction in 2007 with its weightsaving acoustic packages and aerodynamic underfloor modules.
The Rieter Group's final results and the Annual Report for 2007 will be published at the presentation to financial analysts and the results press conference scheduled for March 20, 2008.
Environmental Testing of PlasticsGuideline VDI 3958 Part 11 (Draft): Environmental simulation - Exposure of polymers to air pollutants in combination with weathering Besides climatic factors such as temperature, relative humidity, precipitation, and sunlight, atmospheric corrosion and ageing of polymers is influenced by corrosive gases. This can result in synergistic as well as antagonistic effects. Methods of environmental simulation are used to simulate the effects of such corrosive gases. The Guideline describes the general procedure to gain information on recommendations for the selection of materials to be used inside components with respect to their lifetime and their ageing resistance.
Additional requirements that may be needed in tests with special materials such as e.g. elastomers, are not mentioned in the Guideline and should be defined by the individual test procedures (e.g. mechanical prestressing or variation in stress). The draft of VDI 3958 Part 11 is available since January 2008 at the price of 38,90 € from Beuth Verlag, Germany. The VDI Guideline is released in German language and can be ordered directly at www.vdi.de/richtlinien or www.beuth.de. Objections to this draft can be submitted until 30 April 2008.
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