BASF developed unique, innovative PigmentViewer software

(BASF) -- Formulating new shades in the coatings industry is complex and time-consuming, and lots of different factors have to be taken into account. The unique, innovative PigmentViewer software developed by BASF, which has now been launched on the market, offers customers the opportunity for early-stage decision findings in pigment selection.

The computer-animated visualization gives a realistic color impression and allows coated surfaces to be viewed in three dimensions. With just a few mouse clicks, the customer can either use the general pigment overview or the filter function to select specific pigments from the BASF range and visualize them on different substrates. Also, two different pigments can be directly compared to each other on the very same object.

A useful feature of the PigmentViewer is that it combines a graphic presentation of CIELAB color coordinates with extensive technical information on the pigments. Additionally this new software also provides access to product data sheets and other technical details such as reflectance curves.

MRC

(Lanxess) -- Specialty chemicals company Lanxess to increase the prices of its high-tech plastics Durethan and Pocan by EUR 0.30 per kg in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). The adjustment will be effective as of May 25, 2011. It is the inevitable result of increases in the cost of additives, raw materials and energy.

Both product lines consist of exceptionally versatile polymer materials with high innovation potential. They are used mainly for manufacturing a wide range of technically sophisticated components. Products made of the polyamides Durethan, namely PA 6 and PA 6.6, and PBT polyesters (polybutylene terephthalate) Pocan can resist considerable mechanical loads and stresses and display outstanding reliability in continuous service.

Their main fields of application are in the electrical/electronics industry, in the production of domestic appliances, in the construction industry, in medicine, sports and leisure, and in the automotive industry, which is the business unit's biggest customer.

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(ICIS) -- According to Commerce Department, new orders for US durable goods fell sharply in April from March, dropping by 3.6% or USD 7.1bn (EUR 5bn) to USD 189.9bn, all but reversing the 4.4% March gain and fuelling more concern about the recovery. The decline in durable goods orders was widespread, with only computers and electronic products showing a 0.7% advance last month, according to the department's data.

Much of the decline was attributed to a precipitous 30% drop in new orders for commercial aircraft and parts and an 8.9% decline in orders for military airplanes and parts. Aircraft orders often are made in multiple-plane purchases and in any given month those commitments - or their lack - can affect manufacturing data disproportionately.

But even with aviation and other transportation orders backed out of the total, overall durable goods orders saw a 1.5% decline. Durable goods are manufactured products meant to last three years or more and include such items as automobiles, appliances, transportation and manufacturing equipment.

Many durable goods, such as computers and automobiles, are major downstream markets for chemicals and derivatives used in manufacturing processes or as end-product components. Within durable goods other than transportation equipment, orders for new machinery were down by 3.4% in April, the department said.

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(Sibur) -- At the largest petrochemical exhibition in Asia - Chinaplas (Guangzhou, China) - SIBUR provided an assessment of the prospects for Russian-Chinese cooperation in the petrochemical sector. The respective press conference involved SIBUR Vice-President of planning, logistics and sales support Oleg Makarov, Vice-President and Head of the Plastics and Organic Synthesis Division Sergei Merzlyakov, representatives of the Russian Consulate in Guangzhou, as well as the leading Chinese media.

In 2010, China accounts for more than 14% of SIBUR's total sales, amounting to EUR 312 mln (with that figure being over EUR 934 mln for the Asian region on the whole).

The Company sells a diversified line of products on the Chinese market, primarily polyethylene, nitrile rubber and butyl rubber.

The partnership with SIBUR offers Chinese consumers a number of advantages, noted Sergey Merzlyakov. This ensures a stable supply owing to our own resource base, European quality at an affordable price thanks to large-scale production in Siberia, the positive experience of long-term relations, and the unique properties of polymers with a wide brand assortment.

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(Sabic) -- At Plastpol 2011 (:Poland), the SABIC family of plastics businesses - including Polymers and Innovative Plastics - will showcase their expanding array of advanced material solutions for the Polish market. These innovative technologies have been designed for Polish customers in both established and new market sectors, including infrastructure, packaging, electrical/electronics, consumer goods, lighting and fluid engineering. As part of its comprehensive offering to Polish customers, SABIC also provides a strong local team and extensive resources. These include a logistical centre in Kutno for reliable, local supply of materials; and a Fluid Engineering Centre of Excellence in The Netherlands in close proximity to help customers find the right material solutions throughout the application development cycle -- from concept through production.

MRC