04/12/2012Press Release

With over 100 exhibitors and 90 technical conferences, UTECH Europe, the international reference tradeshow for the polyurethane industry, offers a unique opportunity to learn about the latest advances in the global polyurethane technology. Arkema will hold two conferences, while its stand will showcase four of its products used in the polyurethane industry: its blowing agents for polyurethane foam, its DMSO solvent, as well as its molecular sieves and alkoxylate additives marketed by CECA, its specialty chemicals subsidiary.

A comprehensive range of HFC(1) and HFO(2) PU foam blowing agents

Arkema, a leading player in fluorinated blowing agents for polyurethane and polyisocyanurate insulating foam for the construction sector, has been marketing Forane® HFC 365mfc since 2004, a non-flammable nil ODP liquid, used pure or mixed with Forane® HFC 227ea as a top quality foam blowing agent.
Arkema is also developing 4th generation blowing agent solutions to meet the future needs of the market: nil ODP(3) and low GWP(4) HFOs. As substitutes to HFCs, HFOs will feature superior environmental performance, while offering blowing characteristics that are similar to current HFCs and hydrocarbons, as well as outstanding properties, in particular in terms of rigid foam insulation, superior dimensional stability, and a major advantage in terms of k-factor.

(1) HFC - hydrofluorocarbon (latest generation refrigerant fluid). HFCs are gradually being regulated in certain applications due to their GWP values (1300 for HFC-134a and 950 for HFC-245fa).
(2) HFO - hydrofluorolefins.
(3) ODP - Ozone Depleting Potential.
(4) GWP - Global Warming Potential, an index characterizing each gas in terms of greenhouse effect .

Joseph Costa, Research Engineer Arkema USA, will present the properties of these 4th generation blowing agents at a conference on April 18th at 14.15hrs (FLORIM room).

DMSO, a solvent with an excellent toxicological and eco-toxicological profile

Arkema's DMSO (Dimethylsulfoxide) is one of the most effective aprotic polar solvents in the market for many applications, with an excellent toxicological profile and high solvating power. Since the implementation of REACH, the substitution of toxic solvents has been an objective in applications as diverse as PU formulations, PU processing, and for the cleaning of tools. Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) is a safe alternative with a very advantageous toxicological and environmental profile. Arkema has now developed DMSO EVOL™, a new grade, re-engineered for a pleasant smell and unchanged solvent performance.
The implementation of DMSO EVOL™-based formulations in various polyurethane applications, allows:
• The preparation of urea-urethane/DMSO EVOL™-based rheological additives, which are now commonly used in the coating industry to improve anti-settling and anti-sagging properties.
• The manufacture of "suede" textile coatings (PU artificial leather) obtained by coagulation process in DMSO EVOL™ / water bath.
• Tool cleaning in the PU industry using safe DMSO EVOL™-based solvent formulations.

Bernard Monguillon, Research Engineer Arkema France, will present a technical paper on the substitution of toxic solvents by DMSO in PU formulations on April 19th at 13.00 hrs.

CECA's products: alkoxylate surfactants that improve PU properties and molecular sieves that trap moisture

Participating for the first time to UTECH trade fair, CECA, Arkema's subsidiary of Specialty Chemical will present Alcoxylates products range coming from the acquisition from SEPPIC made on 1st January 2012. These Polyols are produced in Antwerpen plant and marketed under the brands Dianol® and Simulsol™. The Dianol® range references are used to improve adhesion properties, as well as temperature and hydrolysis resistance in polyurethane systems. Products from the Simulsol™ range are used as strong crosslinkers agents. 

With 40 years' experience in molecular sieves, CECA also offers the polyurethane market a wide range of products to address various problems related to the presence of water in one- and two-component polyurethane systems. Marketed under the tradename Siliporite®, molecular sieves are excellent  moisture traps and dessicants, used to prevent surface defects and extend the pot-life of polyurethane systems.

Stand Arkema number 1030

Polyurethane, often described as the « hidden polymer », has never been more widely used than now. Its wide-ranging applications include automotive, aerospace, construction, furniture and fixtures, bedding, electricity, textile, mining and oil platforms, pipes and pipelines, refrigeration and insulation, as well as specialized surgical and medical equipment.

A global chemical company and France's leading chemicals producer, Arkema is building the future of the chemical industry every day. Deploying a responsible, innovation-based approach, we produce state-of-the-art specialty chemicals that provide customers with practical solutions to such challenges as climate change, access to drinking water, the future of energy, fossil fuel preservation and the need for lighter materials. With operations in more than 40 countries, some 13,200 employees and 9 research centers, Arkema generates annual revenue of approximately €5.9 billion*, and holds leadership positions in all its markets with a portfolio of internationally recognized brands. The world is our inspiration.
*Sales and headcount for continuing activities at end 2011, excluding vinyl products activities, which are part of a divestment plan.

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