Cookies help us deliver our services. By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more

Global Home
15 октября 2009 г.

BASF expands epoxy resin systems lab

  • Development of new epoxy resin systems
  • Process-specific system customization

BASF has expanded its application lab for epoxy resin systems at the Ludwigshafen site in which the company develops new systems and adapts their processing parameters to the specific processes of its customers. BASF markets the systems – which are used in particular for the production of high-performance wind turbine rotor blades made from fiber-reinforced composites – under the brand name Baxxodur®.

The new laboratory offers a wide range of facilities for determining product-specific parameters for processing these systems. For example, a modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC) device is available to determine the cross-link density and the glass transition temperature of these systems. A sophisticated oscillating rheometer allows engineers to appraise the processing and flow behavior the epoxy systems will show in the production of fiber-reinforced composites. This rheometer covers a much greater measuring range than conventional equipment.

The laboratory expands BASF’s capability to study the production of components made from fiber-reinforced epoxy resins under real-life conditions. Large-scale heating tables, infusion and injection units are now available to simulate a variety of processing conditions at customer facilities. The parameters determined in this way provide the basis for BASF’s recommendations for product usage and are customized to match the component being manufactured and the customer’s specific process conditions.

The test specimens the laboratory makes from the epoxy resin systems can be subjected to additional testing in other BASF facilities in Ludwigshafen. These facilities have been approved by Germanischer Lloyd AG (GL), one of the world’s leading certification bodies for wind energy plants.

BASF will use the new lab and its testing facilities to expand its service offering in this business area. Based on the data generated in these facilities, the company’s global team of application engineers will join forces with its customers by providing on-site support during the introduction of epoxy systems and the ongoing production process.

Composites based on thermosetting epoxy resin systems have become an established material for the production of modern wind turbine rotor blades. BASF supplies GL approved systems that help to speed up the rotor production process significantly. As a result, rotor blade manufacturers will be able to reduce their process times by up to 30 percent, boosting their production efficiency. Production process also become more flexible because BASF’s systems can be processed over a wider temperature range than conventional products.

About BASF’s Intermediates division

The BASF Group’s Intermediates division develops, produces and markets around the world a comprehensive portfolio of more than 600 intermediates. The most important of the division’s product groups include amines, diols, polyalcohols, acids and specialties. Among other applications, intermediates are used as starting materials for coatings, plastics, pharmaceuticals, textile fibers, detergents and crop protectants. Innovative intermediates from BASF help to improve the properties of final products and the efficiency of production processes. The ISO 9001:2000-certified Intermediates division operates plants at production sites in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Around the globe, 2,655 employees of the division generated sales of about €2.5 billion to third parties in 2008. For more information, go to www.basf.de/intermediates.

About BASF

BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics and performance products to agricultural products, fine chemicals as well as oil and gas. As a reliable partner BASF helps its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful. With its high-value products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility. BASF posted sales of more than €62 billion in 2008 and had approximately 97,000employees as of the end of the year. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.

P-09-415

Последнее обновление 15 октября 2009 г.