Feb 17 2009
BASF is systematically expanding its portfolio of specialty monomers and launching its new product 2-propylheptyl acrylate (2-PHA) on the market. This is a new raw material and building block for functional polymers.
2-PHA belongs to the group of alkyl acrylates and has the advantage of achieving significantly improved results for the most important features of pressure sensitive adhesives – for example adhesion and tack. This is due to the substantially longer alkyl chain compared with other monomers. In addition, with 2-PHA the glass temperature of the homopolymer is 10°C lower than with 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, an acrylate commonly used to manufacture adhesives.
2-PHA is based on the precursor 2-propylheptanol (2-PH). Making use of the special molecular structure of this branched alcohol, BASF has already developed the plasticizer Palatinol® 10-P and two new classes of surfactants under the brand names Lutensol® XL and Lutensol® XP that have successfully established themselves on the market. 2-PH is now a key component of the acrylic acid value chain in BASF’s Production Verbund.
“ Our new specialty monomer 2-PHA is another example of how BASF supports its customers through new developments from its flexible production plants. Thanks to its unique properties, 2-PHA is a new and important building block in our specialty monomers portfolio ” , says Ralf Spettmann, Group Vice President Acrylics and Superabsorbents.
BASF Specialty Monomers
BASF’s specialty monomers unit develops, manufactures and markets a broad portfolio of acrylates and methacrylates used in automotive coatings, decorative paints, industrial coatings and pressure sensitive adhesives as well as paper production, water treatment and personal care. Specialty Monomers are part of the Acrylics & Dispersions division.