Dec 3 2009
Buhler Group has entered into a strategic collaboration in the field of nano-sized performance additives with the Australian company Micronisers Australasia Pty Ltd.
The collaboration is based upon the combination of core competences of both partners in the manufac-turing and marketing of nano-sized performance additives. Micronisers Australasia Pty Ltd is contributing its many years of experience in the production of nano-sized particles, and Buhler its worldwide unique expertise in the refining of nanoparticles into ready-to-use performance additives. The agreement includes the exclusive marketing of Buhler's performance additive Oxylink for water-based lacquers via Micronisers Australasia Pty Ltd in Australia and New Zealand as well as in parts of Asia. In return, Buhler is appointed as Europe-wide exclusive distributor for Micronisers' nano sized zinc oxides Microsun and Nanosun. The relevant contracts were signed in October 2009.
Oxylink is an additive based on nanotechnology, addressing the shortcomings that have existed up to now in water-based coating systems with regard to their resistance to solvents, blocking and moisture as well as their drying time. Oxylink contains nanoparticles from Micronisers Australasia Pty Ltd in conjunction with proprietary surface modification and dispersion technology from Buhler, the particles substantially improve the performance characteristics of waterborne lacquers.
With Oxylink technology, Buhler is building upon the sustainable development of environmentally friendly, solvent-free coating systems, for which the market share has already increased considerably in the last few years. This will be accentuated in the future due to stricter legislation at the global level. With Oxylink, many new and attractive fields of application are opening up for the water-based lacquer market alongside the existing ones, which were so far in the domain of solvent-based lacquers. A decisive contribution is therefore being made to environmental friendliness.
Oxylink was developed by Buhler PARTEC which, as a subsidiary of the Buhler Group, specialises in the field of nanotechnology - the processing and refining of nanoparticles (1-100nm) into nano-dispersions that are ready for use as additives.
Microsun and Nanosun are nano zinc oxide products of Micronisers Pty Ltd which are used in in-dustrial and personal care applications, respectively for the protection of various substrates and the skin from the harmful effects of sunlight. The agreement between Buhler and Micronisers will result in sales of these products to the larger customers and markets in Europe.