LANXESS introduces phthalate-free plasticizer

LEVERKUSEN (LANXESS) -- Specialty chemicals group LANXESS offers a range of products enabling interested users of phthalate-based additives to switch to alternative safer products.

Phthalate-free Mesamoll TP LXS 51067 is a fast-solvating product for PVC manufacture - particularly for the production of floor coverings and wall coatings. This additive will help, among other things, to replace the plasticizers dibutyl phthalate and benzyl butyl phthalate. Both of these are regarded as toxic for reproduction and are subject to considerable limitations on use. "To make Mesamoll TP LXS 51067 a good alternative, we combined our active Mesamoll ingredient - alkane sulfonic acid ester of phenol - with another plasticizer," says Karsten Job, Director Marketing Polymer Additives in the Functional Chemicals business unit. "This component is also phthalate-free and has even been approved for food contact applications."

Phthalate alternatives are also in demand in the field of PVC bonding agents. To date, isocyanates dissolved in phthalates have frequently been used to ensure optimal bonding of PVC plastisols to technical fabrics made, for example, from polyester fibers. DBP has mostly been used for this. "In the course of discussions on phthalates, we also saw a need for action here," explains Job. "Our new TP LXS 51099 bonding agent uses the same isocyanate that was previously deployed in our tried-and-tested 2001 bonding agent. However, this is dissolved in a phthalate-free plasticizer in our new product. As far as we know, this makes us the only major, globally active supplier to offer phthalate-free bonding agents on a commercial basis."

MRC

(prw) -- Visteon has opened an automotive interiors manufacturing plant in Kaluga, Russia.

The plant injection moulds door panels and other components for the Volkswagen Polo.

The plant will reach full production in the first quarter of 2011. It is located in a supplier park in one of Russia's centres for automotive production, 112 miles southwest of Moscow.

MRC

(prw) -- Polyplex (Thailand) Public Co. Ltd. is investing in a new thin PET film line, PET chip manufacturing facility and a metalizer in Turkey.
Bangkok-based Polyplex has estimated it will spend 2.5 billion baht ($80.5m) on the expansion.

Polyplex cited a strong revival in demand in the thin PET film markets as well as structural changes on the supply side, which has created an opportunity to consolidate its position in the world market.

The company is also evaluating another PET film line in Thailand, saying it would seek board approval in a few months.

MRC

(PlastEurope) -- Bayer MaterialScience has developed a flame-retardant PC/ABS blend for use in applications in extremely warm, humid environments. ⌠Bayblend FR 3008 HR (hydrolysis resistant) was developed in cooperation with the dishwasher product area of BSH Bosch and Siemens and is used to protect electronic parts in the latest generation of its dishwashers. In aging tests, the material remained resistant to hydrolytic molecular degradation after being stored in an 80 ╟C water bath in constant contact with steam for 60 days. The yield stress of the blend showed virtually no change throughout the storage period and the material remained resistant to chemicals, BMS said.

In order to recreate the stress on the blend during a washing cycle as accurately as possible, in addition to being subjected to pure steam, they were also exposed to common additives such as detergents and rinse aids and to simulated fatty deposits. To ensure reliable operation in the long term, the material had to undergo numerous other tests on its properties, including mechanical thermal aging, dimensional stability, chemical resistance and moisture absorption, long-term heat resistance, glow wire tests and assessments of optical quality characteristics based on colour stability.

MRC

MOSCOW (MRC) -- Suspension of Sterlitamak capacities, plant shutdown at Sayansk and imposibility of efficient PVC supply from China - all these factors destabilize the market situation - according to MRC Price reports on the Russian PVC market.

In August, acetylene-based PVC imports from China went down to 11 kt; in July, supplies of Chinese resin were at the level of about 19 kt. In September, acetylene-based PVC imports are going to be even lower. Traditionally, China and Kazakhstan jointly stage military excercises, and as a result, railway traffic through Alashankou - Dostyk transfer point is going to be almost totally paralized.

Impossibility of efficient replenishment of acetylene-based PVC stocks from China, long-term forced suspension in Sayansk - all these factors have led to some rush in the market. Many converters are actively building up additional stocks for October. Supply of Chinese resin in the Russian market is rapidly reducing; lack of some PVC grades is already reported. Prices in the middle of the week went up to RUB 46.500 - 47.500/mt, including VAT, FCA.

Supply of PVC from North America, contrariwise, keeps up growing. According to the results of August, overall imports of North American suspension have reached their record at the level of 23,5 kt. American PVC oversupply is obvious, however, many converters still prefer Chinese resin. As per experts, North American PVC is new for the Russian market, and the market should get used to it, test it, as it was with acetylene-based resin from China.

You will be able to find out more information on the Russian PVC market from top managers of leading Russian companies "Russian Polymer Summit - 2010". Please, refer to http://www.polymersummit.ru/ Summit official web site.

MRC

For more information about the Russian PVC market, please, refer to MRC Price reports.