From April 8-11, BASF will present new and efficient solutions for the hygiene industry at the INDEX 2014, the worldwide primary exhibition of nonwovens, at the Palexpo Exhibition & Congress Centre in Geneva, Switzerland. At the BASF booth 2427, BASF experts will inform and advise business professionals about BASF’s comprehensive services and product range in the field of innovation including HySorb® new odor control and HySorb® Mass Balance approach, binders for fibrous materials and of additives for hygiene, filtration and medical applications.
New superabsorbent polymers for effective odor control functions and dryness
The pioneering odor control superabsorbent polymer HySorb® in addition to BASF’s superabsorbent polymer product portfolio is an innovative product to improve the quality of life for people with incontinence. By blocking the formation of ammonia, it prevents the odor caused by urine for an extended period of time. Furthermore, its high absorption capacity helps to keep the skin dry.
Superabsorbent polymers are used in a variety of applications for every day needs in our life. The adult incontinence market is second only to baby care for superabsorbents and experiences the highest global growth.
HySorb ® B7015MB – the new superabsorbent polymer based on renewable feedstock
Working in cooperation with TÜV SÜD (a third-party certification body), BASF has developed an innovative mass balance approach for the use of renewable based feedstock in the BASF “Verbund”. Based on this approach, biomass is fed into existing plants at the very beginning of the production chain of superabsorbents. This biomass share is then allocated to sales products according to their recipes using the new standard including 3rd party certification of the product. The quality of the superabsorbent polymers HySorb â B7015MB remains unchanged.
Biomass equivalent can be allocated to superabsorbents up to 100 percent according to this standard driven by its customers´ specifications and demand, which can be marketed accordingly. Existing plants and technologies along the value chain can continue to be used, and the customers’ product designs and production process require no adjustments.
The superabsorbent polymers based on renewables save fossil based raw materials and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, thereby contributing to sustainable development.
Dispersions for Fiber Bonding – innovations for nonwovens
At the INDEX fair 2014, BASF demonstrates its expertise in the field of polymer dispersions for fiber bonding. As a full-service partner for its customers in the construction, furniture and automobile industry, BASF develops tailor-made solutions. The dispersions are characterized by high functionality and customized processability. Innovative and intelligent solutions made by BASF in the field of non-wovens help to make the customers‘ products more efficient, competitive and eco-friendly.
One focus in the field of dispersions for fiber bonding is the ecologically compatible reactive resins of the Acrodur® brand. Acrodur ®, the water-based cross-linking acrylate resin is an environmentally friendly one-component system that boasts excellent binding properties. The underlying technology is based on the thermal cross-linking of polycarboxylic acids with a multi-functional alcohol. Unlike classical reactive resins, no organic substances such as phenol or formaldehyde are released during the cross-linking process. The only by-product caused by curing is water. Acrodur ® is neither toxical nor explosive and consequently guarantees environmental friendliness, as well as safe and simple handling. The binding agent not only improves the properties of the finished product, but also ensures safe working conditions during production. In addition, the environmentally compatible technology helps processing companies to respect emission limits and to save costs.
Broad portfolio of additives and pigments for nonwovens
As the leading supplier of additives and pigments, BASF offers a comprehensive portfolio of heat and light stabilizers and polymer modifiers such as Chimassorb® and Irgatec® as well as a selection of pigments and pigment preparations to the nonwoven industry.
Microlen® are non-dusting, free flowing mono-pigment preparations that achieve highest dispersion quality of pigments, leading to improved processing and color consistency in particular for most critical applications such as colored nonwoven.
The innovative technology Irgatec® CR76 A is the leading alternative technology to standard meltblown grades, enabling nonwoven producers to adapt material properties to their specific requirements and increase their productivity.