BASF introduces new anionic surface sizing agent

- Cost-efficient anionic surface sizing agent for packaging

 

- High compatibility with other anionic additives, and no foaming, sensitivity to pH or starch type

 

Chemical giant BASF has introduced Basoplast 450 P, a new and highly cost-efficient polymeric surface sizing agent (PSA) for the packaging market.

 

The development of Basoplast 450 P is the result of the combined effort of research, development and application specialists at BASF on a new product for the technology that allows papermakers to significantly improve on sizing costs. Traditionally, PSA for the liner segment used cationic polymers. This, BASF said, limited the coloration to certain product ranges.

 

With Basoplast 450 P, BASF said it is introducing a product that is suited for linerboard grades and complements BASF’s offer of anionic PSA in the graphical paper market.

 

By replacing cationic PSA in packaging with Basoplast 450 P, paper manufacturers can now adjust the desired coloration in the surface with direct dyes, which can provide a more cost-efficient solution than incumbent systems, BASF said.

 

Developing cost-efficient systems and solutions is built on the strengths of BASF’s expanded portfolio following the acquisition of Ciba in 2009. Direct dyes are sourced from BASF’s new plant in Ankleshwar, India.

 

In addition to the new opportunities for cost-efficient coloration, BASF’s new anionic PSA Basoplast 450 P agent shows no foaming tendency, or sensitivity to pH or starch type, and can be used in both size and film presses.

 

It has also received food contact approval.

 

Dr Frank Höfer, vice president of marketing at BASF Paper Chemicals Europe, said: ‘With Basoplast 450 P we offer the first anionic polymeric sizing agent able to compete against cationic polymeric surface sizing agents traditionally used in liner and board.

 

‘We recently had various mill trials throughout Europe and in consequence are able to promptly launch the product in the market.

 

‘But, this invention also required cross-divisional support through the combined know-how and production of BASF, especially the petrochemicals division. It shows that BASF can be very successful if we act as one company.’

 

Dr Thomas Stährfeldt, vice president of BASF Innovation Paper Chemicals, added: ‘Our consistency in research and development work, also on established product lines, has made this new market opportunity available.

 

‘This example shows very clearly that even in mature applications, with lots of creativity and enthusiasm, our development specialists are able to find new and successful products with which we can help our customers to achieve their targets in performance and cost reductions.’

 

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