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Making emulsions easy
FOCUS tonnes on the previous year). However, output is estimated to have decreased by 12% from 1.31 M tonnes in Dec 2004 to 1.16 M tonnes for Jan 2005 because of loss of working days and extremely dry weather in Jan 2005. Exports decreased 9% from 1.125 M tonnes in Dec 2004 to 1.025 M tonnes for Jan 2005. The Star, 15 Feb 2005 (Website: http://www.thestar.com.my) & Chemical Market Reporter, 21 Feb 2005 (Website: http://www.chemicalmarketreporter.com)
Other The microchannel revolution Velocys Inc, a spin-out from Battelle in the US, is developing microchannel reactors for a variety of processes. It is collaborating with Dow Chemical on the high-intensity selective catalytic oxidation of alkanes to olefins. In May 2003, Degussa successfully commissioned a pilot-scale microchannel reactor for the production of propylene oxide by gas phase catalytic oxidation of propylene using hydrogen peroxide. There is still much to be done to develop the technology, but some of the key concepts appear to have been proven and the substantial economic benefits are becoming clear. For some high volume commodity chemicals, microchannel research is moving into development and over the next 5 years there will be some radical changes in commercial practice.
ON
S U R FA C TA N T S
totalling 50,000 tonne/y go to the US, mainly in the form of highly purified sodium monochloroacetate which is used in production of betaines. Demand in China is estimated at 140,000-160,000 tonne/y. The majority of the 3-5%/y growth forecast will be in Asia with that in China possibly being over 8%/y. In related news, the EC recently fined European MCAA producers Akzo Nobel, Hoechst (Sanofi-Aventis) and Arkema for running a price-fixing cartel between 1984-1999 when they controlled 90% of the European market. Akzo Nobel was fined €84.38 M, Arkema €58.5 M and Hoechst €74.03 M. Clariant, which was also involved in the cartel, was given total immunity for being the first company to cooperate with the Commission’s enquiry. Akzo and Hoechst may appeal. European Chemical News, 7 Feb 2005, 82 (2133), 15 & Chimie Pharma Hebdo, 24 Jan 2005, (284), 3 (in French)
Large sulfonation unit completed At the end of 2004 Fushun Washing Chemical Plant in China completed a 5 tonnes/hour sulfur trioxide sulfonation plant, which uses patented technology imported from Italy. The plant will allow the company to supply synthetic detergent intermediate products. China Chemical Reporter, 6 Feb 2005, 16 (4), 13
Focus on Catalysts, Feb 2005, 1-2
SURFACTANTS Monochloroacetic acid profile One third of global demand for monochloroacetic acid (MCAA) is for production of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). Production of mild amphoteric surfactants accounts for 12% and other uses are the production of herbicides, thioglycolic acid, esters, cyanoesters and malonates. CMC accounts for more than 40% of consumption in Europe and in the US; 20% of consumption is for surfactants. In 2004, global demand is estimated at 455,000 tonne/y with capacity at 560,000 tonne/y. Capacity in Europe amounts to 250,000 tonne/y with demand at 225,000 tonne/y. Some 50% of the net exports APRIL 2005
New surfactant from Octel Octel Performance Chemicals has come up with Octacare SM 2030, an ultra-mild surfactant that is claimed to be as gentle as water. Octacare SM 2030 is used as a secondary surfactant in baby products, skin and hypoallergenic formulations. It provides a no-compromise option in attaining mildness and effective emulsification in oils and natural extracts. It is easy to combine, in clear liquid form, with an extensive range of products including soaps and shampoos. Octacare provides superb cleansing and is particularly effective in make-up removal
applications such as cleansing creams and milks. SPC, Soap Perfumery and Cosmetics, Feb 2005, 78 (2), 61
Making emulsions easy Sasol’s Ceralution range comprises surfactant blends based on a new Gemini technology whose chemical structure is the same as that of ceramides or phospholipids [see also Focus on Surfactants, Mar 2005, p. 1]. They are extremely mild and have low surface tension. They provide superior tolerance to electrolytes due to their dimer structure. They also have good cleansing power and act as emulsifiers and dispersants. The Cerulation range, which is available in three grades, is easy to use in formulations. It is also multifunctional, flexible and resistant to variations. Parfums, Cosmetiques, Actualites, Sep/Oct 2004, (178), 112-113
Wipro sets up soap plant in Himachal Pradesh Wipro Ltd has set up a manufacturing unit for its toilet soap brand Santoor at Baddi in Himachal Pradesh, chosen for the incentives the State offers. The Baddi unit will backward integrate into making soap noodles by May 2005. Sales of Santoor increased by 26% for the nine months ended Dec 2004 in a market that is recording growth rates of 12-15%. A number of other firms in the home & personal care sector, such as Godrej and Reckitt Benckiser, have or are building plants in Baddi. Business Line, 8 Feb 2005, 12 (38), 4
ASSOCIATED PRODUCTS Synthetic ingredients from Givaudan Givaudan is introducing new captive molecules namely Pharaone 10% and Javanol. Pharaone 10% provides a green and fruity note of grapefruit, undecatriene and galbanum. It imparts freshness and headiness to top and heart notes and is suitable for cosmetic products, fragrances, 3
Other The microchannel revolution Velocys Inc, a spin-out from Battelle in the US, is developing microchannel reactors for a variety of processes. It is collaborating with Dow Chemical on the high-intensity selective catalytic oxidation of alkanes to olefins. In May 2003, Degussa successfully commissioned a pilot-scale microchannel reactor for the production of propylene oxide by gas phase catalytic oxidation of propylene using hydrogen peroxide. There is still much to be done to develop the technology, but some of the key concepts appear to have been proven and the substantial economic benefits are becoming clear. For some high volume commodity chemicals, microchannel research is moving into development and over the next 5 years there will be some radical changes in commercial practice.
ON
S U R FA C TA N T S
totalling 50,000 tonne/y go to the US, mainly in the form of highly purified sodium monochloroacetate which is used in production of betaines. Demand in China is estimated at 140,000-160,000 tonne/y. The majority of the 3-5%/y growth forecast will be in Asia with that in China possibly being over 8%/y. In related news, the EC recently fined European MCAA producers Akzo Nobel, Hoechst (Sanofi-Aventis) and Arkema for running a price-fixing cartel between 1984-1999 when they controlled 90% of the European market. Akzo Nobel was fined €84.38 M, Arkema €58.5 M and Hoechst €74.03 M. Clariant, which was also involved in the cartel, was given total immunity for being the first company to cooperate with the Commission’s enquiry. Akzo and Hoechst may appeal. European Chemical News, 7 Feb 2005, 82 (2133), 15 & Chimie Pharma Hebdo, 24 Jan 2005, (284), 3 (in French)
Large sulfonation unit completed At the end of 2004 Fushun Washing Chemical Plant in China completed a 5 tonnes/hour sulfur trioxide sulfonation plant, which uses patented technology imported from Italy. The plant will allow the company to supply synthetic detergent intermediate products. China Chemical Reporter, 6 Feb 2005, 16 (4), 13
Focus on Catalysts, Feb 2005, 1-2
SURFACTANTS Monochloroacetic acid profile One third of global demand for monochloroacetic acid (MCAA) is for production of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). Production of mild amphoteric surfactants accounts for 12% and other uses are the production of herbicides, thioglycolic acid, esters, cyanoesters and malonates. CMC accounts for more than 40% of consumption in Europe and in the US; 20% of consumption is for surfactants. In 2004, global demand is estimated at 455,000 tonne/y with capacity at 560,000 tonne/y. Capacity in Europe amounts to 250,000 tonne/y with demand at 225,000 tonne/y. Some 50% of the net exports APRIL 2005
New surfactant from Octel Octel Performance Chemicals has come up with Octacare SM 2030, an ultra-mild surfactant that is claimed to be as gentle as water. Octacare SM 2030 is used as a secondary surfactant in baby products, skin and hypoallergenic formulations. It provides a no-compromise option in attaining mildness and effective emulsification in oils and natural extracts. It is easy to combine, in clear liquid form, with an extensive range of products including soaps and shampoos. Octacare provides superb cleansing and is particularly effective in make-up removal
applications such as cleansing creams and milks. SPC, Soap Perfumery and Cosmetics, Feb 2005, 78 (2), 61
Making emulsions easy Sasol’s Ceralution range comprises surfactant blends based on a new Gemini technology whose chemical structure is the same as that of ceramides or phospholipids [see also Focus on Surfactants, Mar 2005, p. 1]. They are extremely mild and have low surface tension. They provide superior tolerance to electrolytes due to their dimer structure. They also have good cleansing power and act as emulsifiers and dispersants. The Cerulation range, which is available in three grades, is easy to use in formulations. It is also multifunctional, flexible and resistant to variations. Parfums, Cosmetiques, Actualites, Sep/Oct 2004, (178), 112-113
Wipro sets up soap plant in Himachal Pradesh Wipro Ltd has set up a manufacturing unit for its toilet soap brand Santoor at Baddi in Himachal Pradesh, chosen for the incentives the State offers. The Baddi unit will backward integrate into making soap noodles by May 2005. Sales of Santoor increased by 26% for the nine months ended Dec 2004 in a market that is recording growth rates of 12-15%. A number of other firms in the home & personal care sector, such as Godrej and Reckitt Benckiser, have or are building plants in Baddi. Business Line, 8 Feb 2005, 12 (38), 4
ASSOCIATED PRODUCTS Synthetic ingredients from Givaudan Givaudan is introducing new captive molecules namely Pharaone 10% and Javanol. Pharaone 10% provides a green and fruity note of grapefruit, undecatriene and galbanum. It imparts freshness and headiness to top and heart notes and is suitable for cosmetic products, fragrances, 3