On December 12, 2023, BASF completed the capacity expansion of its key specialty amines produced at its plant in Geismar, Louisiana. As a result, BASF will be able to produce more of the key polyetheramine and amine catalysts marketed under the Baxodur and Lupragen brands.
Kevin Anderson, Vice President, Business Management, Amines, Acetylene & Carbonyl Derivatives, Chemical Intermediates, BASF North America, said: "This project represents our commitment to the growth of the Americas market. Due to the existing infrastructure and skilled workforce, our Geismar facility was an ideal location for this expansion. ”
BASF's baxodur portfolio is used by customers as highly effective curing agents and chain extenders for epoxy and polyurea applications in the wind, electrical, composites, adhesives and flooring industries. The use of Baxodur products enables customers to achieve a number of advantages in their formulations, including improved cure time, hardness, flexibility, peel strength, and chemical and temperature resistance.
BASF's Lupragen products are highly efficient amine catalysts for polyurethane (PU). These catalysts are usually tertiary amines, which are necessary to facilitate the reaction of the main components (isocyanates and polyols). Depending on the choice of catalyst, the polyurethane formation process can be controlled to enhance the gelling or foaming reaction. BASF's Lupragen portfolio includes several low-VOC catalysts that support the achievement of growing sustainable emission reduction targets.
With around 300 different amines, BASF has one of the world's widest variety of chemical intermediates. In addition to alkylamines, alkanolamines and alkyl amines oxide, BASF also offers heterocyclic amines, aromatic amines and specialty amines. These versatile products are primarily used in the manufacture of process chemicals, pharmaceuticals and crop protection products, as well as cosmetics and detergents. They are also used in the production of coatings, specialty plastics, composites and specialty fibers.