BASF expands Shanghai Technical Competence Center

https://www.chemnet.com   Apr 09,2010

　　Shanghai, China - April 02, 2010–BASF has inaugurated a new section of its Technical Competence Center for intermediates at its Shanghai Pudong Site.

　　The new laboratory will specialize in epoxy systems for fiber-reinforced composites, which are used, for example, in wind turbine blades. BASF sells these systems under its Baxxodur®brand. The competence center integrates this new epoxy laboratory with BASF's existing PolyTHF laboratory, which will also expand the scope of its services.

　　"With our local competence center we provide our customers in Asia a fast and reliable technical support tailored to their needs,”said Dr. Guido Voit, who heads the Regional Business Unit Asia Pacific in BASF’s Intermediates division. He added,“We utilize BASF’s integrated global knowledge network to benefit our customers in the region.”

　　Customer focus for Baxxodur epoxy systems

　　In the new epoxy laboratory BASF can simulate its customers' production processes using Baxxodur epoxy systems under production conditions. BASF’s application engineers develop tailored solutions and provide onsite technical support to their customers.

　　The rotor blades of today’s state-of-the-art wind turbines are mostly made of epoxy-resin-based composites. Baxxodur epoxy systems from BASF allow blade manufacturers to reduce the cycle time to produce the blades, thereby enhancing their productivity. With their specific properties the BASF systems can be used to reliably produce high-quality key components like spar caps and root sections of rotor blades. BASF systems outperform traditional epoxy systems especially in the production of large rotor blades. The systems are approved by Germanischer Lloyd AG (GL), which offers assurance, consulting and classification for the maritime and energy industries.

　　PolyTHF lab with expanded scope of services

　　At BASF’s expanded Technical Competence Center various polymer synthesis facilities can be used to customize new formulations, improve existing ones and adjust mechanical and thermal properties of PolyTHF-based products to specific applications. Sample and specimen analysis as well as laboratory support for starting up customer plants round off the service offer.

　　PolyTHF is an important component in the production of elastic spandex fibers for textiles such as sportswear, swimwear, underwear and outerwear. Moreover, PolyTHF is a major intermediate for thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) elastomers, which are used for example in the manufacture of highly abrasion-resistant, yet flexible cable sheathing for automotive applications and high-quality wheels for inline skates. Another application of PolyTHF is in polyetheramides, which serve to produce shoe soles and watch straps. Furthermore PolyTHF is a key raw material for polyetherester elastomers (TPEE), from which various automotive components are made, and cast elastomers that are made into conveyor belts or ski boot shells.

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