Special Epoxy Resin Systems from BASF Toughen Rotor Blades of Wind Turbines

NEW YORK (omnexus) -- BASF has introduced an innovative epoxy resin systems, called Baxxodur╝ for highly resilient, fiber-reinforced components and coatings for rotor blades. The longevity of these wind energy plants is a key factor in improving the economic efficiency of wind power as a climate-friendly source of energy.

Rotor blades need to be very tough and weather resistant to survive operating times of 20 years. Modern rotor blades are made of glass or carbon fiber mats bonded with epoxy resin systems to give them strength. "Basically, this works on the same principle as a two-component adhesive. The first component consists of synthetically manufactured resins and the second is the hardener, or curing agent. When mixed together, they crosslink with each other," explained Dr. Gregor Daun, Head of the BASF Team for Development and Marketing of Epoxy Systems for Composites.

The manufacturing process for large rotor blades can be speeded up significantly using this product. To ensure that the molds for the blades are filled completely and quickly, the hardener initially reacts slowly. When warmed after filling the mold, the hardening rate increases, leaving the mold free more rapidly to produce the next blade. This allows rotor blade manufacturers to speed up this process step by as much as 30 percent. The time saving also reduces manufacturing costs while simultaneously increasing production output, making electricity generation by wind power more cost effective and even more competitive. This innovative system has been approved by certification agencies for wind energy plants, including Germanischer Lloyd AG.

MRCMRC Reference

BASF. The share in the Russian market in 2008:
PS - 9.1% (GPPS - 5.9%, ABS - 11.4%, EPS - 10.6%).

Annual sales growth in Russia over the 5 years:
PS - 15%.

Imports by polymers processing technologies:
foaming;
injection molding.

Dioctyl phthalate production capacities were suspended for repairs by Salavatnefteorgsyntez from April 11 to May 16. Seasonal elevation of demand for plasticizers in soft PVC-composites production sector and shutdown for maintenance of the biggest producer have led to deficit in the domestic market. Price for dioctyl phthalate made in Roshalsk plant starts from RUB65.000/mt, VAT included, FCA.

Tight plasticizers market could have been compensated by the other Russian producers, in particular, Ural chemical plant. However, in April - May supply of diethyl hexanol, one of two key material sources, is limited in Russian market. At the same time it is highly possible that Salavatnefteorgsyntez will earlier resume dioctyl phthalate production.

Deficit in Russian dioctyl phthalate market traditionally appears when Salavat capacities are suspended. Salavatnefteorgsyntez is the biggest Russian plasticizers production, the capacity forms about 36.000 tpa. Monthly dyoctyl phthalate supply into the domestic market forms average 2.9 kt. Suspension essentially reflects on Russian market balance.

MRC

(plastemart) -- Among other strategic options for its PET business, Eastman Chemical Company is considering possible divesture of the unit. Bank of America Merrill Lynch has been hired as its financial advisor.

MRC

(plastemart) -- Dammam 7 Petrochemical Co. has inked a deal with Shanghai Huayi for acrylic acid plant as part of a huge petrochemical complex in Jubail. Capacities at the complex include syngas, butanol and acrylic esters. The deal will strengthen China's position in the domestic Saudi Arabian market and will help transfer technology and knowledge to Saudi Arabia. Dammam 7 has inked an agreement with Saudi Aramco Total Refining and Petrochemical Co. for the supply of 200,000 tons of feedstock.

MRC

(plastemart) -- Vietnam's Van Phong Economic Zone Authority needs approximately VND15 trillion (US$769 mln) uptil 2015 as investment outlay for Petrolimex's petrochemical and oil refinery complex. The US$4.5 bln complex, located in Ninh Hoa district's Ninh Phuoc commune to be located on land and sea, is to refine 10 mln tpa of oil. Petrolimex is mulling a joint venture with a Chinese company to build the complex. Construction was expected to begin in 2011 and be completed by 2016 with a production to comprise plants to produce liquefied petroleum gas, petrol, gasoline, diesel oil, benzene, polypropylene and sulfur.

The zone's authority needs VND500 billion (US$25.6 mln) for 2010 and 2011, each, to build resettlement areas. The company is expected to approach the government for part of the sum, and mobilize other sources for the balance.

At present, Vietnam has seven petrochemical and oil refinery projects with total capacity of 60-70 million tpa of oil, most of which are yet to come on stream.

MRC