BASF at Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics

PolyTHF gives textiles elasticity

PolyTHF is an important intermediate product for producing spandex fibers, which can be blended with polyamide, cotton or polyester to produce high-quality fabrics. Textiles containing these fibers exhibit long-term elasticity. Their exceptional resistance to hydrolysis and microbes makes fibers based on PolyTHF ideal in applications where the fabric comes into direct contact with the body - in swimsuits, underwear, hosiery and functional sportswear, for example. Another advantage is that the stretch fibers are also extremely durable.

In addition to PolyTHF, BASF can supply a wide range of other raw materials for producing spandex fibers and elastomers, including isocyanates, chain extenders and breakers, crosslinking agents and a wide variety of solvents.

The range of products is complemented by extensive technical support. As well as helping to start up plants and providing general technical advice, the services also include improving the fiber characteristics, such as their functional characteristics and heat resistance, for example. Special analyses can also be carried out, for example on the chemical composition and morphology, evaluating the viscosity of the spinning solution, solvent recycling, and help with sustainable development and responsible care.

New laboratory will improve customer service

BASF has recently announced that it is intending to set up a laboratory dedicated to PolyTHF on the Shanghai-Pudong site of BASF Polyurethane Specialties (China) Ltd. By setting up this laboratory, the company is intending to improve the technical support it gives to its customers, especially in the PolyTHF growth areas of high-stretch spandex fibers and thermoplastic polyurethane and polyetherester elastomers (TPU, TPEE). The only laboratory of its type in Asia is scheduled to become operational at the end of 2007.

The laboratory is equipped with modern polymer analysis technology and has access to a variety of testing instruments. Also available is equipment for synthesizing small laboratory samples, which can be used to fine-tune the required characteristics of spandex polymers and TPU/TPEE plastics. BASF will use this laboratory to develop new recipes based on PolyTHF to suit its clients’ requirements, and to improve existing formulations. It will also focus on the use-specific modification of certain mechanical and thermal characteristics of derivatives based on PolyTHF. The range of services available also includes the analysis of samples and specimens and the provision of laboratory support during the starting-up of clients’ plants.

BASF is the world’s leading supplier of the chemical intermediate PolyTHF. With plants in Ludwigshafen, Germany, Geismar in the USA, Ulsan in Korea and Caojing in China, BASF currently has a capacity of roughly 155,000 metric tons per annum.

BASF Intermediates
BASF’s Intermediates Division develops, produces and markets an extensive range of intermediates worldwide. The company has a portfolio of more than 600 products, with the main ones being amines, diols, polyalcohols, acids and specialties. Some of the uses for intermediates include starting materials for coatings, plastics, pharmaceuticals, textile fibers, detergents and pesticides. Innovative BASF intermediates can help to enhance the properties of the end products and improve the efficiency of the production processes. The Intermediates Division operates sites in Europe, Asia and North and South America. This division, which is certified in accordance with ISO 9001:2000, has 2,600 employees and achieved sales of about 2.3 billion Euros in 2006. Further information is available at: http://www.basf.de/intermediates.

About BASF
BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural products and fine chemicals to crude oil and natural gas. As a reliable partner to virtually all industries, BASF’s high-value products and intelligent system solutions help its customers to be more successful. BASF develops new technologies and uses them to meet the challenges of the future and open up additional market opportunities. It combines economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility, thus contributing to a better future. BASF has approximately 95,000 employees and posted sales of €52.6 billion (approximately $66.1 billion) in 2006. Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.

BASF has been a committed partner to Greater China since 1885. It is one of the biggest foreign investors in the China chemical industry. The company currently has more than 5,500 employees and operates 29 wholly-owned subsidiaries and nine joint ventures. In 2006, BASF achieved sales of over €3.6 billion in Greater China. For further information, please visit www.greater-china.basf.com.