LUDWIGSHAFEN, Germany -- BASF will present new products and customer-orientated applications at INDEX 2011, one of the worlds leading nonwovens exhibitions, in Geneva from April 12 to April 15. BASF experts are going to inform and advise business professionals about BASFs comprehensive service and product range in the field of fiber bonding, additives and super absorbents. BASF is again addressing customers from the hygiene and nonwoven industry and all companies that require environmentally friendly binding agents and liquid-absorbing polymers for their products.

Dispersions for fiber bonding - innovations for nonwovens

Binding agents for fibrous materials in the form of dispersions and reactive resins have become part of our daily life. They hold together a large number of products that simplify our everyday life in many ways. When used in nonwovens, they make roofing membranes tear-proof and ensure that PVC floors keep their shape. Thanks to such dispersions, waterproof cellulose substrates can be turned into highly efficient decorative paper, filters or nonwoven wallpaper. Natural fibers are used to produce light-weight construction material or floor coverings.

At this years INDEX, one focus in the field of dispersions for fiber bonding will be on the ecologically compatible reactive resins of the Acrodur brand. As a water-based, formaldehyde-free system, Acrodur offers an environmentally friendly alternative to solvent-based or formaldehyde-containing resins and consequently guarantees safe and simple handling. It is, for example, used as a bonding agent for nonwovens made of polyester and glass fibers in construction applications such as PVC floors and insulating mats. Additionally, Acrodur is particularly suited to process natural fibers. As these fibers are both light and stable at the same time, automobile manufacturers use molded parts made from natural fiber, among other applications, for door linings, shelves or car ceilings. In this way, Acrodur promotes the use of renewable raw materials in the automotive industry and contributes to the production of energy-efficient cars by reducing their weight.

Another focus is on Acronal-branded acrylate dispersions. Apart from conventional applications for polyester and glass nonwoven fabrics, the bonding agents are also suitable for cellulosic substrates. In this field, BASF will, this year, present its innovative formaldehyde-free self-crosslinking Acronal DS 2416 - thanks to this new binding agent, it is easy to process cellulose fibers. It is, for example, perfectly suited to produce cellulose-based air filters for cars, which need to be particularly durable and powerful. In addition, Acronal DS 2416 has low VOC values, which is important for residential applications. This means that nonwoven wallpapers produced on the basis of Acronal DS 2416 are not only particularly stable but also low-emission.

Superabsorbents - Sustainability as Factor of Success

During the past 15 years the hygiene industry was revolutionized by superabsorbent polymers and today the white grainy powder is an inherent part of daily life. Superabsorbents are capable of absorbing and holding water up to 500 times of their own weight - even under pressure. The main applications are in baby diapers as well as in the adult incontinence and feminine hygiene sectors.

In close cooperation with its customers BASF has been developing new tailor-made solutions continuously to fulfill the rising performance requirements of the products in the hygiene industry. During these developments not only the usage properties of the consumer products are of relevance, but also sustainability plays a key role. Over the whole value chain optimized superabsorbent polymers can influence the demand of resources significantly. Thus BASF is offering innovative concepts which help to protect these resources. For example BASF developed an eco-efficiency analysis, which is used to evaluate the customer benefit of consumer products from a cost and environmental perspective.

Broad portfolio of additives and pigments for nonwoven

As a leading supplier of additives and pigments for the nonwoven industry, BASF offers a comprehensive portfolio of heat and light stabilizers such as Chimassorb  and Uvinul  , a range of Irgaguard  antimicrobial additives, as well as an assortment of Heliogen  blue and green pigments.

At this years Index, BASF presents the innovative technology Irgatec  CR 76 for nonwoven production. This technology enables converters to adapt material properties to the specific requirements, for example to make use of more cost efficient raw materials or to convert in-house nonwoven scrap to high-quality nonwoven.

Another focus in BASFs portfolio for nonwoven manufacturers is the halogen-free flame retardant Flamestab  NOR  116 which combines flame retardancy and light stability in one molecule. One area of application for Flamestab  NOR  116 is in textiles for roofing.