Reichhold and Umicore to Cooperate on Innovative Curing Technology for Unsaturated Polyester Resin

Reichhold and Umicore announced their co-operation to introduce sustainable alternative curing technology for unsaturated polyester resins. Reichhold deploys Umicores latest cobalt technology to develop a solution that combines the benefits of cobalt-based systems with long term sustainable and environmental friendly characteristics safeguarding the cobalt future.

This technology will be a user-friendly alternative to accelerators currently in use by both resin manufacturers and composite fabricators. It offers customers the ability to deal proactively with the potential hazard classification of cobalt carboxylate.

The two companies have successfully tested the new technology in some selected resin systems and are working towards qualifying an entire product range for customers in the composites industry. Further details on progress will be provided in specialized trade magazines and composites exhibitions.

About Reichhold

Founded in 1927, Reichhold, with its world headquarters and technology center in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA, is one of the worlds largest suppliers of unsaturated polyester resins and a leading supplier of coating resins for the industrial, transportation, building and construction, marine, consumer and graphic arts markets. Reichhold has manufacturing operations throughout North America, Latin America, the Middle East, Europe and Asia.

About Umicore

Umicores Cobalt & Specialty Materials (CSM) business unit has been a global leader in the refining, transformation and marketing of cobalt specialties since 1912. Currently CSM markets a unique and complete portfolio of cobalt chemicals and powders and can rely on a fully integrated supply and transformation chain for cobalt. Since 1980, CSM complimented its portfolio with nickel chemicals and since 2007 with a broad range of metal carboxylates for various catalytic applications.

Today, CSM has production plants and sales offices for its cobalt and nickel compounds and other specialty materials on all continents. The main markets and applications served by its products are: plating and surface treatment, various catalyst applications, hard metal and diamond tools, ceramics and glass.

Source: Reichhold