(BASF) -- 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.
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.
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.
mrcplast.com |