03.19.19
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Fishing for clues for diabetes, MyConcrete: BASF’s new app and More


Fish-hunting marine cone snails have developed a strategy to hit and subdue their prey with up to 200 different compounds, one of which is insulin. American and Australian researchers have examined the function of seven insulin sequences found in the venom from three species of cone snail and found each species produces insulin with slightly different structures. This new study provides the research team with three different ‘templates’ to produce more effective insulin treatments for diabetics in humans. Read More

BASF’s new smartphone application, MyConcrete is now available in Asia Pacific, allowing instant access to information on concrete properties. Intended for contractors, engineers, architects and producers, the free MyConcrete app serves as a channel to a range of information on the fundamentals of concrete use. The app includes items such as concepts and design factors, provides answers to questions on concrete slump, air, finish ability and set time and offers information on BASF products for concrete producers. Read More

Devan Chemicals has joined a consortium that plans to address the recycling of coated and painted textile and plastic materials. The EU-funded project is led by Belgian R&D centre CENTEXBEL, consisting of 17 European partners from across the value chain including design, manufacturing, NGOs, and research and innovation. The focus of the consortium is on coated and painted textiles and plastic materials which are currently not recyclable. Ambitious plastic recycling targets of 50 percent have been set by the European Plastics Industry. Read More

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a final rule to prohibit the manufacture (including import), processing, and distribution of methylene chloride in all paint removers or paint stripper for consumer use. EPA has taken this action because of the acute fatalities that have resulted from exposure to the chemical. In this final rule, EPA found risks to consumers to be unreasonable. Acute (short-term) exposures to methylene chloride fumes can rapidly cause dizziness, loss of consciousness, and death due to nervous system depression. Read More
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03.14.19
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Zinc Chloride – Synthesis, Purification and Uses and More


Zinc Chloride – Synthesis, Purification and Uses

Zinc Chloride is a chemical compound, which is composed of zinc and chlorine. It is a hygroscopic white crystalline ionic salt with the chemical formula ZnCl2. Zinc Chloride is soluble in mediums such as water, glycerol, ether and alcohol. Since Zinc chloride is a deliquescent, it must be protected from sources of moisture such as water vapor. Synthesis and Purification: Anhydrous zinc chloride is synthesized by treating zinc with hydrogen chloride. Read More

Honeywell said that Phu My Plastics Production JSC will use Honeywell UOP’s C3 Oleflex technology to produce polymer-grade propylene at its facility in Vietnam. The plant will help meet growing domestic demand for plastics in Vietnam and other countries in Southeast Asia. This is the first award for Honeywell’s propane dehydrogenation technology in Vietnam Honeywell UOP will provide technology licensing for the Oleflex process, the process design package, proprietary and non-proprietary equipment, on-site operator training, technical services for startup and… Read More

BASF SE has founded the new company BASF Digital Solutions SL located in Madrid, Spain to drive forward the digital transformation of the BASF group and develop innovative IT solutions. BASF plans to grow the centre to more than 300 digital specialists within the next years. “We want to stay a digital leader in the chemical industry. We need more digital talents with the best digital skills to speed up our digital transformation and achieve this ambitious goal,” said Dr Christoph Wegner, Chief Digital Officer of BASF. Read More

Symrise launched its first benzyl alcohol-based preservative blend with the added power of SymSave H, SymOcide® BHO. The product effectively protects cosmetics from undesired microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria while being safe for consumers. The new development offers an extensive spectrum of potential applications, ranging from soaps, shower gels and shampoos to creams, wet wipes and face masks. The product also works well and effectively with conventional surfactants as well as sulfate-free systems. Read More

03.08.19
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Chemistry of Northern Lights


Chemistry of Northern Lights

An aurora is a natural light phenomenon, which occurs in the high latitude regions of the two poles. They are known as northern lights or aurora borealis around the arctic circle. On the other hand, they are known as southern lights or aurora australis around the Antarctic circle. How does this phenomenon occur? The sun is situated approximately 150 million kilometres away from our planet. However, its effects are felt much beyond its visible surface. Read More

Borouge said that it showcased its differentiated solutions for infrastructure, energy, packaging and agriculture applications recently in Noida, India. Borouge’s portfolio comprises a comprehensive collection of polyethylene and polypropylene materials for greenhouse and irrigation systems, consumer and industrial packaging, power grids and piping infrastructure. It also includes Anteo, the company’s latest polymer for flexible packaging applications. Borouge showcased its products recently at Indiaplast 2019. Read More

Nouryon has selected a location in the US for a world-scale polymerization plant for its Expancel expandable microspheres. The project will significantly strengthen the company’s leadership position in expandable microspheres, which are used to make customers’ end products lighter and reduce costs. Advanced engineering is underway and long delivery item procurement has started. The project is scheduled for completion in late 2020, subject to final board approval. Read More

Sika AG has agreed to acquire King Packaged Materials Company, a large independent Canadian manufacturer of dry shotcrete and mortars for concrete repair. With the acquisition, Sika will further expand its geographical footprint in Canada and improve its growth potential in the home improvement, construction, mining and tunnelling markets. The acquired business generates annual sales of CHF 61 million with a workforce of 180 employees. The closing of the transaction is expected to take place in the second quarter of 2019. Read More
02.27.19
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Moon’s surface acts as ‘chemical factory’ to produce water: NASA


The lunar surface could act as a ‘chemical factory’ that produces the ingredients for water, making it easier for future human colonies on the Moon to sustain themselves, NASA scientists have found. Using a computer programme, scientists simulated the chemistry that unfolds when the solar wind pelts the Moon’s surface. When a stream of charged particles known as the solar wind careens onto the Moon’s surface at 450 km per second, they enrich it in ingredients that could make water, according to research published in the journal JGR Planets. Read More

Liquidating Non-Moving Chemical Inventory

At present times, chemical companies are seeking new ways to liquidate their excess inventory. Inventory comprising of chemicals and equipment are considered as a fixed cost or a sunk cost, which cannot be recovered after investment. Like shares of a company, that has been bought. They have no real monetary worth until they are sold and reverted to cash. How the value of chemical inventory depreciates with time. Read More

McDermott International Inc (MDR) has been awarded a contract from Saudi Aramco for engineering, procurement, construction and installation (EPCI) services in the Marjan field, offshore Saudi Arabia. The contract includes the design, procurement, fabrication, and installation, testing and pre-commissioning of the TP-10 tie-in platform, six gas lift topside modules and associated pipeline and subsea cables. The total weight of the structures will exceed 29,000 short tons (27,000 metric tons) and pipelines totalling over 40 miles (65 kilometres). Read More

Kraton Corporation has announced a general price increase of 5-15 percent for tall oil fatty acids (TOFA). Subject to the terms of any applicable contracts, this price increase will take effect March 1, 2019. Kraton is a leading global producer of styrenic block copolymers, speciality polymers and high-value performance products derived from pine wood pulping co-products. Read More

02.14.19
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Industrial Chemicals-What is it and Where to Buy?


Industrial Chemicals-What is it and Where to Buy?

Chemicals manufactured for industrial operations and research are known as industrial chemicals. Some are used to create energy, others are used to make consumer goods, while some are used as intermediates to produce other industrial chemicals and products. The chemical industry uses a wide range of raw materials such as air, minerals and oil. Top Industrial Chemicals: Few important chemicals crucial for industrial manufacturing at the global level are listed in the further sections.  Read More

Cornell University scientists Rachel Hestrin and Johannes Lehmann, along with collaborators from Canada and Australia, have shown that charcoal can trap large quantities of nitrogen from the air pollutant ammonia (NH3). This will result in a potential slow-release fertilizer with more nitrogen than most animal manures or other natural soil amendments. The results were published in the journal Nature Communications. Ammonia is a common component of agricultural fertilizers and provides a bioavailable form of the essential nutrient nitrogen to plants. Read More

Bartek Ingredients Inc has successfully completed a 4,000 ton/year capacity increase of its malic acid production facilities. Bartek is the world’s largest producer of malic acid and food-grade fumaric acid. The first in a series of capital investment projects to support its growing acidulants business, Bartek is expanding capacity and capabilities to allow for greater flexibility and support of its food, beverage, and confectionery; animal nutrition; and industrial customers. Additional projects scheduled for completion in 2019 include state-of-the-art upgrades to Bartek’s laboratories and office facilities. Read More

Nouryon has more than doubled emulsion-based organic peroxides capacity at its site in Los Reyes, Mexico. The company introduced emulsion-based peroxides to North America in 2018. Used for making polyvinyl chloride (PVC) – a plastic used in a wide variety of products including pipes, doors, windows and home siding – these alternatives to solvent-based peroxides are inherently safer while also improving product quality. Read More

 

02.07.19
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2019 Trends in the Pharmaceutical Industry


2019 Trends in the Pharmaceutical Industry

The pharmaceutical industry is changing at a fast pace and for pharmaceutical companies to compete, they must constantly innovate their R&D activities to have an edge in the pharma industry. There are numerous new trends in the pharmaceuticals industry that will be discussed in the further sections. Role of Emerging Markets: The emerging markets are influencing the global strategy for the pharmaceutical industry due to their exponential growth and high profitability.  Read More

INEOS Styrolution’s new S-TPE grade for healthcare industry

INEOS Styrolution introduced its new Styroflex®4G80 grade, an S-TPE that combines transparency, elasticity, & excellent processability making it suitable for extrusion applications. The new Styroflex 4G80 grade provides an attractive mix of properties making it ideal for various medical tubing applications – ranging from use in traditional IV sets to more complex multi-layer tubing structures. Key properties include excellent bonding performance, good kink resistance, clarity, &  the ability to be processed on standard tubing extrusion equipment at superior processing rates when compared to other materials. Read More

TechnipFMC has been awarded by Petrobras, on behalf of the Libra Consortium, comprised of Petrobras, Shell, Total,CNOOC Limited, CNPC and Pre-Sal Petroleo (PPSA), a large engineering, procurement, construction and installation contract for the Mero 1 pre-salt field, located in theSantos Basin, at 2,100 meters of water depth offshore Brazil. The contract covers engineering, procurement, construction of all rigid lines, as well as the installation and pre-commissioning of all the infield riser and flowline system for interconnecting 13 wells to the FPSO. Read More

McDermott International Inc, along with its joint venture partners Chiyoda International Corporation and Zachry Group, announced that they have been awarded a mega* contract by Golden Pass Products LLC, a joint venture between Qatar Petroleum and ExxonMobil affiliates, to build the export project in Sabine Pass, Texas. McDermott, Chiyoda and Zachry Group will perform engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning of three approximately 5.2 million ton per annum (MTPA) LNG trains with an expected production capacity of around 16 million tons of LNG per year. Read More

02.04.19
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Israeli biotech company finds 100 % cure for cancer


At a time when cancer is spreading at a disturbingly fast pace across the globe, an Israeli biotech company have claimed that they will have the cure for this deadly disease by 2020.  Although different types of treatments are available in the market, but nothing promises to cure this deadly disease 100%. But Accelerated Evolution Biotechnologies Ltd (AEBi), founded in 2000 from the ITEK Weizmann technology incubator has made bold claims to cure the disease completely.  In an interview to a leading daily, Aridor, chairman of the board of AEBi, has asserted that their cancer cure will be effective from the very first day and will last for a few weeks. Read More

Royal Dutch Shell announced that Neil Carson be appointed a Director of the Company with effect from June 1, 2019.  “Neil has a wealth of expertise, and the Board is delighted to recommend to shareholders that he be appointed a Director of the Company. As a Non-Executive director, Neil brings a track record of utilizing well his strong operational exposure, familiarity with capital intensive business and a first-class international perspective on driving value in complex environments,” said Chad Holliday, Chair of Royal Dutch Shell plc. Neil joined Johnson Matthey in 1980 where he held several senior management positions in both the UK and US, before being appointed CEO in 2004. Read More

Teijin Limited announced that its Tenax carbon fiber and carbon fiber thermoplastic unidirectional pre-impregnated tape were qualified by Boeing and registered in its qualified products list. Teijin will supply Tenax TPUD as an intermediate advanced composite material for primary structural parts for Boeing. TenaxTPUD is a carbon fiber thermoplastic unidirectional pre-impregnated tape made with thermoplastic resin and helps to reduce production costs and improve component manufacturing efficiency. Read More

Saudi Aramco with its partner Total announced the signing of a MoU with Daelim. Under the MoU, Daelim is planning to build a new 80,000 tons state-of-the-art Polyisobutylene (PIB) plant, which is expected to come on-stream in 2024. This agreement is another step to drive Saudi Aramco’s petrochemicals growth strategy. This follows Saudi Aramco’s announcement to launch an engineering study to build a large petrochemical complex in Jubail. The new petrochemicals facility will be using feedstock from the Amiral complex in Jubail, located on Saudi Arabia’s eastern coast. Read More

01.29.19
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Kraiburg, Eastman collaborates to develop medical grade TPE


Kraiburg TPE collaborated with Eastman to develop a range of innovative high-purity TPEs. They have developed a range of THERMOLAST® M thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) with the capability to adhere directly to specialized polymers used in medical applications, including Eastman’s Tritan™ copolyester, PP, ABS, ABS/PC, and PET. “We are in the process of expanding our portfolio for the medical and pharmaceutical markets and for this purpose we are focusing on developing new materials for innovative products,” said Oliver Kluge, business unit manager medical applications, Kraiburg TPE. Read More
BASF inaugurated a new, world-scale antioxidants manufacturing plant at its Caojing site in Shanghai, China. With an annual capacity of 42,000 tons, the plant will produce antioxidants and associated forms and blends for the plastic additives market. The units for powder blending, liquid antioxidants and formgiving are now operational as part of the plant’s first phase. “With this investment, we strengthen our position as the leading global supplier of antioxidants. We expect the market will show attractive growth rates in the medium to long term,” said Markus Kamieth, Member of the Board of Directors, BASF SE. Read More

Lanxess is expanding its range of membrane elements for reverse osmosis (RO). The new Lewabrane HP (high performance) series comprises elements that consist of an enhanced brackish water membrane to serve applications in which high rejection and energy efficiency are important. Using the new types in combination with monodisperse Lewatit ion exchange resins provides high quality produced water at lower operational cost.  With an average salt rejection of 99.7 percent and high permeability, the new product types are a further development of the high cross-linked polyamide membrane which Lanxess launched in 2012. Read More

Archroma announced the introduction of a new optical brightening agent (OBA) specially designed for food packaging and paper, Leucophor® AFCN liq. The newly launched OBA has been approved for food contact by the US food and drug administration. A growing part of food containers are made from renewable sources, such as paper and board. It is necessary to ensure that these paper containers are free from substances that would be harmful for the consumer. Leucophor® AFCN liq was designed with these guiding principles: 1. Leucophor® AFCN liquid has approval for use in food-contact paper and paperboard under FDA Food Contact Notification. Read More

01.21.19
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Future of Specialty Chemicals Industry


Future of Specialty Chemicals Industry

Specialty chemical manufacturers by nature are vastly very innovative and entrepreneurial, and R&D of new chemistries continues to be a vital component of the specialty chemical businesses. Adding to the point the resurgence of key market segments is dependent on specialty chemicals and new project starts, these significant factors are fuelling the persuasive growth. Specialty chemicals are chemical products that are traded on the basis of their performance or function, rather than their composition. Therefore manufacturers can create a niche market for products having stable margins. Read More

How 3D Printing is transforming the Chemical Industry?

3D printing is the process of manufacturing a 3D object from CAD data. It is also known as additive manufacturing because it is manufactured by placing successive layers of material. A 3D model can be created from scratch with a 3D modelling software or a digital model of an object can be created with a 3D scanner. The digital model is translated to a real object using a 3D printer. Transformation of the chemical industry through 3D printing: 3D printing is an innovative technology, which has already been incorporated by the chemical industry. Since its commercialization in the 1980s, it has been growing and its implementation in the chemical industry has increased. Read More

Waters Corporation introduced a new amino acid analysis kit that reduces the time required to quantify amino acids, a critical application for research scientists investigating the physiological underpinnings of disease. The new Kairos™ amino acid analysis kit is capable of cutting analytical run times that can range up to two hours to run times of 10 minutes or less when used as directed with supported Waters™ UPLC systems, mass spectrometers and waters targeted omics method library. “After looking at how long it takes to get results on a limited set of amino acids, and at the accuracy and precision of those results, we decided we could do better. Read More

Lanxess presented its broad range of additives for the rubber processing industry at the India Rubber Expo 2019. During the event in Mumbai, the specialty chemicals company is showcasing solutions and methods which increase productivity and reduce health risks for its customers. The comprehensive portfolio includes additives for the manufacture of high-end rubber components for a significant number of diverse applications. “We are manufacturing a range of specialty polymer- and silica-bound rubber additives in India for the Indian market offering our customers products of consistently high quality, taking responsibility for their availability and making newest product solutions with higher health and safety standards available,” said Dr. Christian Lumpe, Head of business line Rubber Additives at the LANXESS Rhein Chemie (RCH) business unit. Read More

01.09.19
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Digital Transformation in Healthcare Industry


Digital Transformation in Healthcare Industry

The health care industry is confronting a tremendous third evolutionary wave of digital technology with implications to profound believe in the new era of global computing. Certainly, for all industries, digital transformation will be galvanized by the initial technology such as mobility, Internet of Things (IoT), and big data. Through the advent application of internet, healthcare industry is poised to benefit from the ubiquitous and real-time retrieval of contextual information facilitated by the new technologies which drives the digital transformation. Role of Digitalization– Data Security: The secured physical records of a organizations are always in the possibility of getting misplaced during some unexpected conditions like staff negligence or disaster. Read More

Tata Chemicals Limited signed a MoU with C-MET, an autonomous scientific society under Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India. The MoU is to develop collaborative technology for the recovery and purification of cathode and anode active ingredients from spent lithium-ion cells / batteries. Under the MOU, TCL and C-MET envisage a partnership that will leverage C-MET’s intellectual property, capabilities and infrastructure, to test and validate multiple recycling chemistries. This partnership is in line with the commitment of Tata Chemicals to develop a Sustainable Circular Economy, as the company explores innovative and sustainable processes to manufacture Lithium-ion batteries for various applications. Read More

Sika acquires leading mortar solution manufacturer from CVC Fund V

Sika has made a binding offer to acquire Parex from its current owner CVC Fund V. Parex is a leading manufacturer of mortar solutions including facade mortars, tile adhesives, waterproofing, and technical mortars. Parex has a particularly strong presence in distribution channels, combining recognized brands with R&D expertise and technical excellence. It is locally present in 23 countries with key positions in 8 core geographies and operates 74 plants around the world. “The businesses of Parex and Sika are highly complementary. Parex’s excellent facade business can be leveraged in the entire Sika world,” said Paul Schuler, CEO of Sika. Read More

TechnipFMC in consortium with MMHE (Malaysia Marine and Heavy Engineering Sdn Bhd), has signed a Long-Term Offshore Agreement with Saudi Aramco. This agreement, valid for 6 years, covers engineering, procurement, fabrication, transportation and installation of offshore facilities for the development of Saudi Aramco’s offshore projects. This agreement builds on the long-term relationship between TechnipFMC and Saudi Aramco, as well as the strong partnership between TechnipFMC and MMHE. “We are very pleased to extend our partnership with Saudi Aramco and to support their ambitious offshore development program. Read More