Technical Abstracts

Page 12...Dibenzoate plasticizers offer a safer, viable alternative to phthalates

by Shamsi P. Gravel and Emily McBride

Phthalates can be found in nearly every product on the market.  It is estimated that more than 500,000 tonnes of phthalates are produced worldwide each year for use as plasticizers, fragrance carriers in perfumes and additives in hairspray, lubricants and wood finishes.  Over the last decade, however, phthalates have come under increased scrutiny for their potentially adverse health effects.  Some scientists claim phthalates have an anti-androgenic effect.  This low-level risk, combined with the pervasiveness of phthalates in our environment, has caused regulating agencies worldwide to seriously examine the continued use of phthalates.

Page 16...Performance gains from naturally-based raw materials

by Heinz-Gunther Schulte, Sascha Oestreich, Georg Bourscheidt

It is sometimes thought that 'green' products are inferior to petrochemical-based materials.  It is demonstrated that sustainability and performance can go together.  Sustainable solutions can match and in many cases exceed the performance of conventional solutions.  These include polyols for PUR systems and various additives, mainly for waterborne coatings. Some challenges facing future development of greener coatings technologies are summarised.

News Headlines

BUSINESS NEWS

Sherwin-Williams to acquire Becker Acroma Wood Coatings

The Sherwin-Williams Company has signed an agreement to acquire Becker Acroma Industrial Wood Coatings, a subsidiary of AB Wilh. Becker based in Germany.....

Profits help Hempel invest for the future

Recent positive results mean that Hempel can continue with investments planned before the economic crisis hit in 2008....

See SCAA Journal for more Busines News

ASIAN NEWS

PPG Tianjin Phase 1 expansion starts production

The largest PPG Industries plant in Asia, PPG Coatings (Tianjin) Co., Ltd., recently celebrated Phase 1 of the expansion of its waterborne coatings facility....

Huntsman to expand capacity in Singapore

The Performance Products division of Huntsman Corporation will expand manufacturing capacity of its Jeffamine polyetharamine manufacturing facility located on Jurong Island, Singapore....

See SCAA Journal for more Asian News