BASF launches specialty monomer for pressure sensitive adhesives

LUDWIGSHAFEN, Germany, Feb. 16, 2009 (Press Release) - BASF is systematically expanding its portfolio of specialty monomers and launching its new product 2-propylheptyl acrylate (2-PHA) on the market. This is a new raw material and building block for functional polymers.

2-PHA belongs to the group of alkyl acrylates and has the advantage of achieving significantly improved results for the most important features of pressure sensitive adhesives - for example adhesion and tack. This is due to the substantially longer alkyl chain compared with other monomers. In addition, with 2-PHA the glass temperature of the homopolymer is 10°C lower than with 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, an acrylate commonly used to manufacture adhesives.

2-PHA is based on the precursor 2-propylheptanol (2-PH). Making use of the special molecular structure of this branched alcohol, BASF has already developed the plasticizer Palatinol® 10-P and two new classes of surfactants under the brand names Lutensol® XL and Lutensol® XP that have successfully established themselves on the market. 2-PH is now a key component of the acrylic acid value chain in BASF's Production Verbund.

"Our new specialty monomer 2-PHA is another example of how BASF supports its customers through new developments from its flexible production plants. Thanks to its unique properties, 2-PHA is a new and important building block in our specialty monomers portfolio", says Ralf Spettmann, Group Vice President Acrylics and Superabsorbents.

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