Cognis’ Sovermol 815 – “green” polyol for efficient pigment pastes

Monheim, October 09, 2008 - Consumers and industrial users are placing increasing demands on polyurethane (PUR) coatings with regard to the optical surface properties, viscosity, UV stability and chemical resistance – but also regarding ecological compatibility. This has led to a steadily increasing demand for high-quality raw materials for PUR coatings. Today, solvent-free PUR systems are preferred for industrial floor coatings as these systems are especially environmentally sound. Arichemie, specializing in pigment preparations, has for example developed its new color series Vocaplast-P based on Sovermol 815 from Cognis, the worldwide supplier of specialty chemicals. Sovermol 815 is a branched polyether/polyester which brings together both technical and ecological benefits.

The key to superb self-leveling floor compounds and coatings is choosing the right polyol. Also, the properties of a coating are influenced by the specific selection of color pastes, fillers, and additives. Bio-based polyols, especially the polyfunctional alcohols of the Cognis Sovermol series, are produced from renewable raw materials. They are free from solvents and volatile organic compounds and thus provide an excellent alternative to products containing solvents and VOCs. Sovermol 815 combines superb technological and ecological properties bringing about a balanced viscosity profile, high resistance to acids and alkaline solutions, good UV stability and pigment wetting as well as being markedly hydrophobic.

Arichemie uses Sovermol 815 in its new color series Vocaplast-P. Arichemie’s basic color range comprises of organic and inorganic pigments covering a large proportion of the RAL colors as well as specific color shades. Arichemie can produce the paint preparations directly on site or the coating manufacturer can mix the colors themselves using monopigmented pastes. Vocaplast-P does not negatively impact the hardness or other mechanical properties when added in amounts of three to six percent (calculated over the total amount). The pigments in the new color series have optimal dispersion and are cost-effective due to the use of maximum color strength without the need to use any other wetting or dispersing additives.

The low intrinsic viscosity permits manufacturers of PUR coatings to add greater amounts of fillers while maintaining the leveling properties. The use of Sovermol 815 as a binder also substantially improves chemical resistance.

“Using Sovermol 815 from Cognis and the specific selection of binders and color pastes means coatings can be developed that provide maximum environmental compatibility, efficiency, and optimal mechanical properties“, says Georg Bourscheidt, Product Development & Business Support Polyurethane at Cognis. “Vocaplast-P from Arichemie is one expample in which our polyol successfully contributed to the precise required development goals.”

About Cognis
Cognis is a worldwide supplier of innovative specialty chemicals and nutritional ingredients, with a particular focus on the areas of wellness and sustainability. The company employs about 7,600 people, and it operates production sites and service centers in 30 countries. Cognis has dedicated its activities to a high level of sustainability and delivers natural source raw materials and ingredients for food, nutrition and healthcare markets, and the cosmetics, detergents and cleaners industries. Another main focus is on products for a number of other industries, such as coatings and inks, lubricants, as well as agriculture and mining.

Cognis is owned by private equity funds advised by Permira, GS Capital Partners, and SV Life Sciences. In 2007, Cognis recorded sales of about 3.52 billion euros and an adjusted EBITDA (operating result) of 410 million euros.

About Arichemie
Arichemie GmbH headquartered in Eppstein, Germany, manufactures pigment preparations. The company was founded in 1956 and is today still family owned. There are currently 30 employees. In addition to a standard range of inorganic and organic pigments, individual product coloration solutions for industry are developed and supplied. The main focus is on the coatings and paints, printing ink, construction chemicals, plumbing, packaging and plastics industries.

Contact
Jörg Wollschläger, Technical Manager
Arichemie GmbH
Phone: +49-6198-5912-13
E-mail: jwo@arichemie.com
Internet: www.arichemie.com

Georg Bourscheidt, Product Development & Business Support Polyurethane
Cognis GmbH
Phone: +49-211-7940-5666
E-mail: georg.bourscheidt@cognis.com
Internet: www.cognis.com

Raquel Ark, Senior Communications Manager
Cognis GmbH
Phone: +49-2173-4995-464
E-mail: raquel.ark@cognis.com
Internet: www.cognis.com