Technology
November 11, 2021
Sabic Introduces MOCA Replacement
SABIC’S NEW NORYL™ POLYOL IMPROVES PERFORMANCE OF MDI-BDO CAST POLYURETHANES AND OFFERS ALTERNATIVE TO TDI-MOCA CURED SYSTEMS
11/11/2021
Home > News & Media > Latest News > SABIC’S NEW NORYL™ POLYOL IMPROVES PERFORMANCE OF MDI-BDO CAST…
SABIC, a global leader in the chemical industry, today announced that its recently launched NORYL™ AP2001G aromatic polyol can significantly improve the performance of hot cast polyurethanes (PUs) based on methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) and polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMG). By boosting the hardness, toughness and stiffness properties of cast PU by double digits, NORYL AP2001G polyol can enable MDI formulations cured with 1,4-butanediol (BDO) to deliver equivalent or better performance compared to toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and PTMG PU formulations cured with MOCA (4,4′-methylene bis(ortho-chloroaniline)).
Due to increasing scrutiny in the use of MOCA as a substance of very high concern (SVHC) in the European Union, many PU manufacturers have adopted alternative formulations, including MDI-BDO. However, existing MDI-BDO systems pose performance challenges including lower mechanical and chemical properties vs. TDI-MOCA systems. SABIC’s NORYL AP2001G polyol for MDI-BDO systems addresses both the SVHC issue and performance deficiencies of existing materials, providing formulators with an alternative solution to TDI formulations and an opportunity to reduce or eliminate MOCA.
“As manufacturers began to transition away from SVHCs, SABIC understood the need to assist customers with this challenge,” said Antonello Cerullo, Ph.D., senior business development manager, SABIC. “We collaborated with Troy Polymers to validate the notable performance benefits of our new NORYL polyol for MDI-BDO systems. Thanks to our innovative new modifier, customers may now achieve results comparable to – or even better than – what they experienced with TDI-MOCA and MDI-BDO formulations, while staying ahead of the tighter restrictions that are being placed on the MOCA curative.”
Validating Performance Properties vs. MDI-BDO PUs
SABIC engaged Troy Polymers, a leading research and development laboratory based in Madison Heights, Mich., in the United States, to formulate PU samples using NORYL AP2001G polyol and conduct extensive testing and validation. The results showed that NORYL AP2001G polyol (at a loading of 5.6 percent) improved several properties of MDI-BDO cast PU formulations.
The SABIC modifier delivered up to a 30 percent increase in toughness, up to a 26 percent boost in tensile stress at break, up to an 8 percent improvement in elongation at break, and up to a 1.4 point jump in Shore D hardness.
Testing also revealed that NORYL AP2001G polyol can enhance hardness and toughness performance at high temperatures up to 70°C, which potentially allows MDI-BDO cast PU to be used in extreme conditions, such as for oil and gas exploration, gasketing and mining applications.
In terms of processability, when NORYL AP2001G polyol was added to the pre-polymer, the cast PU showed a longer pot life than a baseline MDI-BDO system. Details on the test methodology and results can be downloaded here.
“Based on our extensive experience in innovative polyurethane solutions, we have verified the benefits of SABIC’s NORYL AP2001G polyol for cast polyurethanes based on MDI-BDO systems,” said Aisa Sendijarevic, Ph.D., research director, Troy Polymers. “While MDI-BDO technology can replace TDI-MOCA in some applications, adding NORYL AP2001G polyol significantly improves MDI-BDO performance and offers an alternative that is free of substances of very high concern. Our test results indicate this SABIC polyol may enhance the performance and regulatory compliance of cast polyurethane.”
November 11, 2021
Sabic Introduces MOCA Replacement
SABIC’S NEW NORYL™ POLYOL IMPROVES PERFORMANCE OF MDI-BDO CAST POLYURETHANES AND OFFERS ALTERNATIVE TO TDI-MOCA CURED SYSTEMS
11/11/2021
Home > News & Media > Latest News > SABIC’S NEW NORYL™ POLYOL IMPROVES PERFORMANCE OF MDI-BDO CAST…
SABIC, a global leader in the chemical industry, today announced that its recently launched NORYL™ AP2001G aromatic polyol can significantly improve the performance of hot cast polyurethanes (PUs) based on methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) and polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMG). By boosting the hardness, toughness and stiffness properties of cast PU by double digits, NORYL AP2001G polyol can enable MDI formulations cured with 1,4-butanediol (BDO) to deliver equivalent or better performance compared to toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and PTMG PU formulations cured with MOCA (4,4′-methylene bis(ortho-chloroaniline)).
Due to increasing scrutiny in the use of MOCA as a substance of very high concern (SVHC) in the European Union, many PU manufacturers have adopted alternative formulations, including MDI-BDO. However, existing MDI-BDO systems pose performance challenges including lower mechanical and chemical properties vs. TDI-MOCA systems. SABIC’s NORYL AP2001G polyol for MDI-BDO systems addresses both the SVHC issue and performance deficiencies of existing materials, providing formulators with an alternative solution to TDI formulations and an opportunity to reduce or eliminate MOCA.
“As manufacturers began to transition away from SVHCs, SABIC understood the need to assist customers with this challenge,” said Antonello Cerullo, Ph.D., senior business development manager, SABIC. “We collaborated with Troy Polymers to validate the notable performance benefits of our new NORYL polyol for MDI-BDO systems. Thanks to our innovative new modifier, customers may now achieve results comparable to – or even better than – what they experienced with TDI-MOCA and MDI-BDO formulations, while staying ahead of the tighter restrictions that are being placed on the MOCA curative.”
Validating Performance Properties vs. MDI-BDO PUs
SABIC engaged Troy Polymers, a leading research and development laboratory based in Madison Heights, Mich., in the United States, to formulate PU samples using NORYL AP2001G polyol and conduct extensive testing and validation. The results showed that NORYL AP2001G polyol (at a loading of 5.6 percent) improved several properties of MDI-BDO cast PU formulations.
The SABIC modifier delivered up to a 30 percent increase in toughness, up to a 26 percent boost in tensile stress at break, up to an 8 percent improvement in elongation at break, and up to a 1.4 point jump in Shore D hardness.
Testing also revealed that NORYL AP2001G polyol can enhance hardness and toughness performance at high temperatures up to 70°C, which potentially allows MDI-BDO cast PU to be used in extreme conditions, such as for oil and gas exploration, gasketing and mining applications.
In terms of processability, when NORYL AP2001G polyol was added to the pre-polymer, the cast PU showed a longer pot life than a baseline MDI-BDO system. Details on the test methodology and results can be downloaded here.
“Based on our extensive experience in innovative polyurethane solutions, we have verified the benefits of SABIC’s NORYL AP2001G polyol for cast polyurethanes based on MDI-BDO systems,” said Aisa Sendijarevic, Ph.D., research director, Troy Polymers. “While MDI-BDO technology can replace TDI-MOCA in some applications, adding NORYL AP2001G polyol significantly improves MDI-BDO performance and offers an alternative that is free of substances of very high concern. Our test results indicate this SABIC polyol may enhance the performance and regulatory compliance of cast polyurethane.”
November 11, 2021
Evonik Foam Recycling Program
Evonik develops new chemical recycling process for polyurethane foam
By Mary Page Bailey | November 11, 2021
Evonik Industries AG (Essen, Germany) announced that it has developsx an efficient chemical recycling process for converting flexible polyurethane (PU) foams back to the original polyol raw material. Evonik’s new hydrolysis recycling process has the potential to achieve circularity in the flexible PU foam industry.
As the next phase of the development, Evonik will scale-up trials of its new process, which has been further strengthened by its partnership with The Vita Group, a leading provider of value-added and differentiated flexible PU foam products. The Vita Group has trialled the recycled polyols from Evonik’s hydrolysis process in several of its flexible foam applications.
According to the latest report from EUROPUR (European association of flexible polyurethane foam blocks manufacturers), some 40 million mattresses are discarded each year in Europe alone, with the majority ending up as landfill creating the equivalent of 600 kilotons of waste: including more than
300 kilotons of PU foam. With the potential to recycle the main component materials used in flexible PU foams and PU foam-based mattresses, Evonik’s process offers significantly higher use levels of the recycled polyol compared with existing commercialized technologies.
Evonik’s solution will contribute to the global flexible PU industry’s sustainability expectations of reducing waste and increasing the use of renewable raw materials in the production of its products. This enables Evonik to expand its position as a leading solutions provider for the PU industry and supports the entire Evonik Group’s objectives of establishing a fully functioning circular economy.
“It’s only by recycling products back to their raw materials and reusing them over and over again that we will enable a fully circular economy,” said Ralph Marquardt, Head of Evonik’s polyurethane additives business. “Our new hydrolysis process delivers recyclates of a quality and performance similar to that of virgin raw materials. Thus, innovative foam producers like our partner The Vita Group can meet their own sustainability targets, while continuing to deliver high-quality PU products.”
“The Vita Group is renowned for our long-history of innovation in sustainability and investing in circular economy products. We recycle and rebond over 30,000 tons of trim each year, as part of our dynamic sustainability agenda,” said Ian W. Robb, Group CEO for The Vita Group. “Sustainability and innovation are central principles of every aspect of our business. We see it as our responsibility to be at the vanguard of the development of eco-friendly technology within our industry. This hugely exciting partnership represents a key milestone on our journey to achieving the circular economy we are all striving for, and we look forward to working closely together with Evonik.”
November 11, 2021
Evonik Foam Recycling Program
Evonik develops new chemical recycling process for polyurethane foam
By Mary Page Bailey | November 11, 2021
Evonik Industries AG (Essen, Germany) announced that it has developsx an efficient chemical recycling process for converting flexible polyurethane (PU) foams back to the original polyol raw material. Evonik’s new hydrolysis recycling process has the potential to achieve circularity in the flexible PU foam industry.
As the next phase of the development, Evonik will scale-up trials of its new process, which has been further strengthened by its partnership with The Vita Group, a leading provider of value-added and differentiated flexible PU foam products. The Vita Group has trialled the recycled polyols from Evonik’s hydrolysis process in several of its flexible foam applications.
According to the latest report from EUROPUR (European association of flexible polyurethane foam blocks manufacturers), some 40 million mattresses are discarded each year in Europe alone, with the majority ending up as landfill creating the equivalent of 600 kilotons of waste: including more than
300 kilotons of PU foam. With the potential to recycle the main component materials used in flexible PU foams and PU foam-based mattresses, Evonik’s process offers significantly higher use levels of the recycled polyol compared with existing commercialized technologies.
Evonik’s solution will contribute to the global flexible PU industry’s sustainability expectations of reducing waste and increasing the use of renewable raw materials in the production of its products. This enables Evonik to expand its position as a leading solutions provider for the PU industry and supports the entire Evonik Group’s objectives of establishing a fully functioning circular economy.
“It’s only by recycling products back to their raw materials and reusing them over and over again that we will enable a fully circular economy,” said Ralph Marquardt, Head of Evonik’s polyurethane additives business. “Our new hydrolysis process delivers recyclates of a quality and performance similar to that of virgin raw materials. Thus, innovative foam producers like our partner The Vita Group can meet their own sustainability targets, while continuing to deliver high-quality PU products.”
“The Vita Group is renowned for our long-history of innovation in sustainability and investing in circular economy products. We recycle and rebond over 30,000 tons of trim each year, as part of our dynamic sustainability agenda,” said Ian W. Robb, Group CEO for The Vita Group. “Sustainability and innovation are central principles of every aspect of our business. We see it as our responsibility to be at the vanguard of the development of eco-friendly technology within our industry. This hugely exciting partnership represents a key milestone on our journey to achieving the circular economy we are all striving for, and we look forward to working closely together with Evonik.”
October 22, 2021
Wanhua Updates
Wanhua Chemical deploys new high-end chemical materials
Echemi 2021-10-22
01 Strategic cooperation with Hikvision
On October 13, Wanhua Chemical Group Co., Ltd. and Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co., Ltd. signed a strategic cooperation agreement at the global headquarters of Wanhua Chemical Group in Yantai.
Based on their respective deep accumulations in the industrial and technological fields, the two parties have reached strategic cooperation in the following two aspects:
Research and development of new high-end chemical materials
Wanhua Chemical will continue to cooperate with Hikvision on the structural material upgrade of hardware products.
02 Chemical safety production control
Hikvision regards chemical companies as providing AI-based production assistance, safety control and perception solutions, and using technological integration and innovation to help Wanhua Chemical’s digital and intelligent transformation.
Under the dual carbon goal, China’s chemical industry is in the process of replenishing and strengthening the chain. As a new chemical material company operating globally, Wanhua Chemical can rely on continuous innovation of core technology, industrialized equipment and efficient operation mode to promote the research and development and mass production of new high-end chemical materials, and help the development of high-tech products in structural materials. upgrade.
Green development and artificial intelligence have become important engines for the high-quality development of the chemical industry. The chemical industry is accelerating digitalization and continuously promoting innovation. The Internet of Things + AI has become an important bridge to realize digital transformation. As a builder of full-stack spectrum IoT capabilities and a partner in enterprise digital transformation, Hikvision can help users in the chemical industry realize scene IoT and intelligent perception, reduce the risk of enterprise accidents, and improve the company’s daily security and production safety early warning capabilities .
The cooperation agreement signed by the two parties this time can be said to be very strategic.
02 Jointly with Hillhouse to invest in Shanghai Leju
On October 12, Shanghai Leju Technology Co., Ltd. announced the completion of its B round of over 100 million yuan financing. This round of financing was jointly invested by Wanhua Chemical and Hillhouse Ventures. Leju had previously received Series A financing from Sinopec and Shangnan Group. It is understood that the funds raised by Le Orange in this round of financing will be mainly used for system algorithm research and development, packaging material technology investment and reverse logistics system construction.
Leju was established in 2018 and positioned as a supply chain infrastructure service company based on smart packaging and smart logistics. Leo Orange has products such as Yelopack Le Orange Yunguo, Yelotour Le Orange Yuntu, Yelolife Le Orange Newborn, and Yeloant Le Orange Carbon Ant. Its packaging products are recycled in accordance with national standards, aiming to promote the recycling of plastic products. Protect the natural environment to the limit and save resources.
In the context of the “first year of carbon neutrality” in 2021, Leju provides solutions to help customers achieve carbon neutrality goals and propose effective solutions from the three aspects of intelligence, renewable raw materials, and carbon reduction.
I believe that Wanhua Chemical’s investment in Leju will also help us realize our mission of chemistry and a better life.
03 Expansion of 250,000 tons/year TDI project
On September 23, the Fuzhou Municipal Bureau of Ecology and Environment announced the environmental impact assessment document for Wanhua Chemical (Fujian) Co., Ltd.’s expansion of the 250,000 tons/year TDI project (replacement of the existing 100,000 tons and approved 150,000 tons of TDI capacity).
Introduction to the basic situation of the project
1. Project name: Wanhua Chemical (Fujian) Co., Ltd. expands 250,000 tons/year TDI project;
2. Construction unit: Wanhua Chemical (Fujian) Co., Ltd.;
3. Construction nature: reconstruction;
4. Project construction site: Jiangyin Gangcheng Economic Zone, Fuzhou;
5. Project investment: The total investment of the project is 1927.3779 million yuan;
6. Floor area: The total land area is 62,313 square meters;
7. Estimated construction period: 2 years.
Introduction to the use of TDI
Toluene diisocyanate (TDI) is the basic raw material of polyurethane, which is mainly used to produce flexible polyurethane foam (soft foam, sponge), polyurethane elastomer, coating, adhesive, sealant and elastic polyether. Among them, flexible polyurethane foam, as the traditional consumption field of TDI, is widely used in furniture mattresses, carpets, internal components of vehicles, trains and airplanes, toys, etc., accounting for more than 70% of the total TDI consumption. Different raw materials used and changes in formula can be made into soft, semi-rigid polyurethane foam and other varieties.
In less than a month, Wanhua Chemical can be said to be constantly moving in different fields. Regardless of whether it is cooperation, investment or expansion, I believe Wanhua Chemical is a comprehensive consideration of integrating its own development into the development trend of the times.
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