- Email: [email protected]
Plasticolors appoints distributors in North America
August.qxd
7/29/02
3:27 PM
Page 3
August 2002
The company recently received similar approval for the use of its antimicrobial products in the coatings and paints industry. Together this significantly extends the potential use of BioShield’s product line. BioShield Technologies began researching and developing antimicrobial technology in 1995 and received its first patent in 1999. Using a proprietary stabilizer with the active ingredient, the company says its antimicrobial products deliver all the traditional benefits associated with an organosilane, but without the toxic hazards. In its most recent financial figures, published in May, the company reported a 102% increase in sales, to US$1 955 201, for the nine month period to 31 March 2002, compared to the same period the previous year. Sales for the third quarter were $841 054, also up on the same quarter in 2001. Contact: Tim Moses, BioShield Technologies, Inc, 4405 International Blvd, Ste B-109, Norcross, GA 30093, USA; tel: +1-770-9253653; fax: +1-770-925-3923; e-mail: [email protected]; URL: www.bioshield.com
Talc and calcium carbonate nanopowders show promise for plastics and other uses In the form of ultrafine nanopowders, talc and calcium carbonate possess unique chemical, mechanical and physical properties that the plastics, paper, paint and cosmetics industries could exploit to their benefit, according to nanomaterials manufacturer Nanomat, Inc. Very chemically active, these nanopowders have extremely large specific surface areas, and produce stronger, more ductile materials. Nanomat produces NanoTalc™ and NanoCalc™, and claims to be the first company to manufacture nanopowders of these minerals for commercial applications in these areas. With a specific surface area of 270 m2/g (compared to 20 m2/g for typical commercial talc), NanoTalc improves plastics through higher strength and stiffness, better thermal and creep resistance, and through reduced filler loadings improves water and gas permeability. The product is useful for a wide range of plastics technologies, including polyolefins, ABS, acetal, TPEs, SMC
©2002 Elsevier Science
Additives for Polymers
and PVC, the company says. Used in paper, it produces higher opacity, excellent runnability for coating, better gloss and printing quality, and significantly less powdering. And NanoTalc-based paints and cosmetic pigments produce better gloss, smoother surfaces, improved resistance to water and cracking, and have less filler and extender content, according to Nanomat. NanoCalc’s benefits are said to be very similar and, in addition to the previously-mentioned sectors, can also improve products in the pharmaceuticals, rubber, sealants, adhesives and printing ink industries. Founded in 1995 by company president Srikanth Raghunathan and his wife, Nanomat has staffed and equipped a 2800 m2 production facility in North Huntingdon, PA, to produce NanoTalc and NanoCalc. “NanoTalc and NanoCalc represent the outgrowth of our ongoing research and development efforts, and we are geared up for large scale production of these materials”, says Dr Raghunathan. Sample quantities of the two nanomaterials are available to qualified contacts. Contact: Nanomat, Inc, 1061 Main Street, North Huntingdon, PA 15642-7425, USA; tel: +1-724-861-6120; fax: +1-724-861-6119; URL: www.nanomat. com
COMPANY STRATEGIES Plasticolors appoints distributors in North America Pigment dispersion manufacturer Plasticolors Inc has selected a number of independent sales and distribution representatives to market its products to the cast polymer and synthetic marble industries in the USA and Canada. Indiana Naval Stores Co Inc (Insco) is to distribute Plasticolors’ products in the USA’s Midwest. Insco was founded in 1921 and handles speciality raw materials and container supplies in the cast polymer industry throughout Indiana, Michigan, Kentucky and Ohio. The Southeast, including Virginia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama, will be covered by Burks Inc. With more than 50
3
August.qxd
7/29/02
3:27 PM
Page 4
Additives for Polymers
years’ experience, this company has an established presence in the coatings, cultured marble, plastics, rubber, inks and adhesives markets. Plasticolors’ products will be distributed by George C. Brandt Inc throughout the upper Midwest, covering Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin and North and South Dakota. This century-old, family-owned firm has experience in both the cast polymer and synthetic marble markets. In Canada, Min-Chem Canada Inc, founded in 1943, has been employed to open new territory for Plasticolors in the east of the country, including Ontario, Quebec and the Maritime Provinces. Plasticolors hopes that this association will increase recognition for its products in the Canadian reinforced plastics market. Scott Becker, chief operating officer for Plasticolors, says these distributors have been chosen because they all have outstanding reputations that span around 60 years or more. “Their complementary product lines and long-established relationships with clients will assist us in serving the needs of specific geographical areas”, he adds. Plasticolors develops and produces pigment and chemical dispersions for customers in the plastics, paint, coatings, caulk and sealant industries. Contact: Plasticolors Inc, 2600 Michigan Avenue, PO Box 816, Ashtabula, OH 440050816, USA; tel: +1-440-997-5137; fax: +1440-992-3613; URL: www.plasticolors.com
Eastman and Noveon raise prices for plasticizers Both Eastman Chemical Co and Noveon Kalama have increased the prices for selected plasticizers. Eastman has added a $0.05 per lb increase to off-list pricing for a range of plasticizers in North and Latin America, effective from 1 July 2002. The range comprises: DMP, DEP, DBP, DOP, DUP (both stabilized and unstabilized), DOA and TOTM, and Eastman’s 168, 168-CA and 425 plasticizers. These plasticizers are used in medical devices, flooring, safety products, wire and cable insulation, garden hose, and other plastic products to facilitate processing or to increase flexibility or toughness.
4
August 2002
The company says that this price increase is due to the continuing need to reinvest in facilities and services in order to maintain continuous and reliable supply; to the cost of maintaining necessary quality for end use industries; and to the continuing need to invest in and manage regulatory processes. Eastman Chemical had 2001 sales of US$5.4 billion. Revenue for the first quarter of 2002 was $1.24 billion, compared with $1.34 billion in first quarter 2001, though sales volume was up 8%. Earnings from operations declined $19 million versus the first quarter last year, but performance improved from fourth quarter 2001. At Noveon Kalama the price of its range of KFlex™ plasticizers has been increased by $.02 per pound and where contracts allow, effective from 15 July. The company says this increase is necessitated by continued higher manufacturing costs including raw materials. K-Flex plasticizers are dibenzoate esters and are compatible with many polymeric materials, including ethylene vinyl acetate, polyvinyl-chloride, styrene-butadiene rubber, ethyl cellulose, nitro cellulose, cellulose acetate butyrate, nitrile rubber, and acrylics. Noveon says these highly solvating monomeric plasticizers decrease processing times, lower processing temperatures and offer superior resistance to extraction by certain solvents. They can also be used to replace phthalatecontaining plasticizers such as dibutyl phthalate and butyl benzyl phthalate, the company says. Contact: Clark Parker, Eastman Chemical Co, 100 North Eastman Road, PO Box 511, Kingsport, TN 37662-5075, USA; tel: +1-423229-4989; e-mail: [email protected]; URL: www.eastman.com Noveon Kalama, 1296 Third St, NW, Kalama, WA 98625, USA; tel: +1-360-673-2550; fax: +1-360-673-3564; URL: www.noveoninc.com
Japanese supplier doubles capacity for red phosphorus flame retardant Rinkagaku Kogyo Co of Toyama, Japan, has doubled the annual capacity for its red phosphorus powder flame control additive to 700 tonnes. The company has developed a process to
©2002 Elsevier Science
7/29/02
3:27 PM
Page 3
August 2002
The company recently received similar approval for the use of its antimicrobial products in the coatings and paints industry. Together this significantly extends the potential use of BioShield’s product line. BioShield Technologies began researching and developing antimicrobial technology in 1995 and received its first patent in 1999. Using a proprietary stabilizer with the active ingredient, the company says its antimicrobial products deliver all the traditional benefits associated with an organosilane, but without the toxic hazards. In its most recent financial figures, published in May, the company reported a 102% increase in sales, to US$1 955 201, for the nine month period to 31 March 2002, compared to the same period the previous year. Sales for the third quarter were $841 054, also up on the same quarter in 2001. Contact: Tim Moses, BioShield Technologies, Inc, 4405 International Blvd, Ste B-109, Norcross, GA 30093, USA; tel: +1-770-9253653; fax: +1-770-925-3923; e-mail: [email protected]; URL: www.bioshield.com
Talc and calcium carbonate nanopowders show promise for plastics and other uses In the form of ultrafine nanopowders, talc and calcium carbonate possess unique chemical, mechanical and physical properties that the plastics, paper, paint and cosmetics industries could exploit to their benefit, according to nanomaterials manufacturer Nanomat, Inc. Very chemically active, these nanopowders have extremely large specific surface areas, and produce stronger, more ductile materials. Nanomat produces NanoTalc™ and NanoCalc™, and claims to be the first company to manufacture nanopowders of these minerals for commercial applications in these areas. With a specific surface area of 270 m2/g (compared to 20 m2/g for typical commercial talc), NanoTalc improves plastics through higher strength and stiffness, better thermal and creep resistance, and through reduced filler loadings improves water and gas permeability. The product is useful for a wide range of plastics technologies, including polyolefins, ABS, acetal, TPEs, SMC
©2002 Elsevier Science
Additives for Polymers
and PVC, the company says. Used in paper, it produces higher opacity, excellent runnability for coating, better gloss and printing quality, and significantly less powdering. And NanoTalc-based paints and cosmetic pigments produce better gloss, smoother surfaces, improved resistance to water and cracking, and have less filler and extender content, according to Nanomat. NanoCalc’s benefits are said to be very similar and, in addition to the previously-mentioned sectors, can also improve products in the pharmaceuticals, rubber, sealants, adhesives and printing ink industries. Founded in 1995 by company president Srikanth Raghunathan and his wife, Nanomat has staffed and equipped a 2800 m2 production facility in North Huntingdon, PA, to produce NanoTalc and NanoCalc. “NanoTalc and NanoCalc represent the outgrowth of our ongoing research and development efforts, and we are geared up for large scale production of these materials”, says Dr Raghunathan. Sample quantities of the two nanomaterials are available to qualified contacts. Contact: Nanomat, Inc, 1061 Main Street, North Huntingdon, PA 15642-7425, USA; tel: +1-724-861-6120; fax: +1-724-861-6119; URL: www.nanomat. com
COMPANY STRATEGIES Plasticolors appoints distributors in North America Pigment dispersion manufacturer Plasticolors Inc has selected a number of independent sales and distribution representatives to market its products to the cast polymer and synthetic marble industries in the USA and Canada. Indiana Naval Stores Co Inc (Insco) is to distribute Plasticolors’ products in the USA’s Midwest. Insco was founded in 1921 and handles speciality raw materials and container supplies in the cast polymer industry throughout Indiana, Michigan, Kentucky and Ohio. The Southeast, including Virginia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama, will be covered by Burks Inc. With more than 50
3
August.qxd
7/29/02
3:27 PM
Page 4
Additives for Polymers
years’ experience, this company has an established presence in the coatings, cultured marble, plastics, rubber, inks and adhesives markets. Plasticolors’ products will be distributed by George C. Brandt Inc throughout the upper Midwest, covering Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin and North and South Dakota. This century-old, family-owned firm has experience in both the cast polymer and synthetic marble markets. In Canada, Min-Chem Canada Inc, founded in 1943, has been employed to open new territory for Plasticolors in the east of the country, including Ontario, Quebec and the Maritime Provinces. Plasticolors hopes that this association will increase recognition for its products in the Canadian reinforced plastics market. Scott Becker, chief operating officer for Plasticolors, says these distributors have been chosen because they all have outstanding reputations that span around 60 years or more. “Their complementary product lines and long-established relationships with clients will assist us in serving the needs of specific geographical areas”, he adds. Plasticolors develops and produces pigment and chemical dispersions for customers in the plastics, paint, coatings, caulk and sealant industries. Contact: Plasticolors Inc, 2600 Michigan Avenue, PO Box 816, Ashtabula, OH 440050816, USA; tel: +1-440-997-5137; fax: +1440-992-3613; URL: www.plasticolors.com
Eastman and Noveon raise prices for plasticizers Both Eastman Chemical Co and Noveon Kalama have increased the prices for selected plasticizers. Eastman has added a $0.05 per lb increase to off-list pricing for a range of plasticizers in North and Latin America, effective from 1 July 2002. The range comprises: DMP, DEP, DBP, DOP, DUP (both stabilized and unstabilized), DOA and TOTM, and Eastman’s 168, 168-CA and 425 plasticizers. These plasticizers are used in medical devices, flooring, safety products, wire and cable insulation, garden hose, and other plastic products to facilitate processing or to increase flexibility or toughness.
4
August 2002
The company says that this price increase is due to the continuing need to reinvest in facilities and services in order to maintain continuous and reliable supply; to the cost of maintaining necessary quality for end use industries; and to the continuing need to invest in and manage regulatory processes. Eastman Chemical had 2001 sales of US$5.4 billion. Revenue for the first quarter of 2002 was $1.24 billion, compared with $1.34 billion in first quarter 2001, though sales volume was up 8%. Earnings from operations declined $19 million versus the first quarter last year, but performance improved from fourth quarter 2001. At Noveon Kalama the price of its range of KFlex™ plasticizers has been increased by $.02 per pound and where contracts allow, effective from 15 July. The company says this increase is necessitated by continued higher manufacturing costs including raw materials. K-Flex plasticizers are dibenzoate esters and are compatible with many polymeric materials, including ethylene vinyl acetate, polyvinyl-chloride, styrene-butadiene rubber, ethyl cellulose, nitro cellulose, cellulose acetate butyrate, nitrile rubber, and acrylics. Noveon says these highly solvating monomeric plasticizers decrease processing times, lower processing temperatures and offer superior resistance to extraction by certain solvents. They can also be used to replace phthalatecontaining plasticizers such as dibutyl phthalate and butyl benzyl phthalate, the company says. Contact: Clark Parker, Eastman Chemical Co, 100 North Eastman Road, PO Box 511, Kingsport, TN 37662-5075, USA; tel: +1-423229-4989; e-mail: [email protected]; URL: www.eastman.com Noveon Kalama, 1296 Third St, NW, Kalama, WA 98625, USA; tel: +1-360-673-2550; fax: +1-360-673-3564; URL: www.noveoninc.com
Japanese supplier doubles capacity for red phosphorus flame retardant Rinkagaku Kogyo Co of Toyama, Japan, has doubled the annual capacity for its red phosphorus powder flame control additive to 700 tonnes. The company has developed a process to
©2002 Elsevier Science