Clariant supports sustainable business in the emulsion polymer industry

Muttenz, 11 April 2011 – Clariant’s foresight in developing readily biodegradable ingredients for the emulsion polymer industry more than 14 years ago is today supporting the market with ingredients that in addition to aiding APEO-free and low VOC formulations, are FDA approved, and offer performance and productivity-boosting advantages.

Clariant was one of the first to launch a 100% APEO-free alternative to replace AP derivatives for the manufacture of binder emulsion polymers. In addition to its low VOC levels, Emulsogen® EPA 073 is now one of few anionic emulsifiers with FDA approval.

Emulsogen EPA 073 meets manufacturers’ challenge to achieve better film formation, higher gloss and better binding power for pigments. Productivity is increased through good control of low grit levels during the polymerization process and the achievement of small and narrow particle size distribution.

The reduced grit / coagulum levels allow higher conversion rates of monomers during polymerization and also cut-down on cleaning time due to longer intervals between cleaning cycles. Emulsogen EPA 073 is also easy to handle, having a crystallization point below 5°C.

When combined with nonionic emulsifiers like Emulsogen LCN 287 or Emulsogen LCN 407, these APEO-free emulsifiers offer increased latex stability, better shelf life and improved stabilizing against shear forces and electrolytes that can impact negatively on emulsion performance.

“Emulsogen EPA 073 is highly-valued among emulsion producers for its high performance and productivity benefits” comments Hendrik Ahrens, development chemist at Clariant. “It plays an important role in supporting the increasing preference for more environmentally-acceptable alternatives from solvent-borne to waterborne paints and coatings.”