Elements35 - Perfectly lubricated Green power made easy Designing with Polymers - Evonik Industries
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elements35 Quarterly Science Newsletter Issue 2| 2011 Designing with Polymers Perfectly lubricated Green power made easy Catalysis Metathesis catalysts for oleochemical applications Biotechnology Evonik BioTechDay
02 Content s
NEWS
08
04 New plant for organic specialty surfactants in China
04 Catalysts for biodiesel: plant in Argentina planned
05 Fiscal year 2010: the best result so far in the Chemicals core business
06 PEEK polymer capacity to be expanded
06 First project house in Taiwan
07 Plans for isophorone plants in China
07 Evonik acquires the hanse chemie Group
07 VESTAKEEP® enhances safety of automotive steering columns
DESIGNING WITH POLYMERS
20 08 Innovative engine oil additives reduce fuel consumption and
CO2 emissions: perfectly lubricated
CATALYSIS
14 Metathesis catalysts for oleochemical applications: robust and selective
Resource Efficiency
17 Almost 5,000 km across Australia: pioneering trip by the Wind Explorer
NEWS
18 Prize awarded in the 2011 nano+art competition
19 Study verifies effectiveness of conditioning agent against
26
hair breakage
19 Nitrogen oxide reduction: Lines made from VESTAMID® compounds
satisfy requirements
DESIGNING WITH POLYMERS
20 PLEXIGLAS® stands up to glass in photovoltaics systems:
green power made easy
BIOTECHNOLOGY
26 Evonik BioTechDay: on a growth course
The cover photo shows sugar cane, a vital renewable
raw material for white biotechnology NEWS
31 Robust, flexible, and fast drying:
the new clear coating technology from Evonik
31 PLEXIGLAS® Mineral for extremely weather-resistant structural shells
31 Credits
elements35 Issue 2|2011
Editorial 03
All set for the future
If your car’s transmission and engine oils contain Evonik’s new comb polymers as
viscosity index improvers, your average fuel savings will be 1.5 percent. You’re not
impressed? Car makers see it differently. According to EU guidelines, average CO2
emissions per vehicle and kilometer must be reduced by about 20 grams by 2015—
and our new comb polymers can account for up to 2.5 of those grams.
Comb polymers are just one of about one hundred research projects in the field
of resource efficiency, out of a total of 500 projects currently underway at Evonik. In
2010, we increased spending on R&D by 13 percent to €338 million, having held it
constant at €300 million, despite the economic crisis.
This past financial year shows how high the demand has been for Evonik’s spe-
cialty chemicals: compared to most competitors our rebound was faster and stron-
ger. In 2010, we increased sales revenues by 26 percent over the previous year to Patrik Wohlhauser
Member of the Executive Board of
€13.3 billion, and even tripled net income to €734 million. We’ve generated the best
Evonik Industries AG
result so far in our Chemicals core business—with an EBITDA margin that puts us
at the vanguard of our industry.
This demonstrates that in 2010 Evonik was more profitable than ever before. We
already generate more than 80 percent of our chemical sales—a solid €10 billion—
from significant market positions. We want to build on that in two ways. First, we’ll
invest in high-margin businesses with above-average growth. To this end, we plan
to spend a total of €6 billion by 2015 for projects that include expanding our capaci-
ties for isophorone, DL-methionine, precipitated silicas, and chlorosilanes.
Second, through our innovative strength, we plan to tip the scales in our favor.
Our research projects are allowing us to move further and further into the so-called
emerging markets. The latest example is our new Light & Electronics Project House,
which began its work on April 1. Located in Taiwan, this project house will expand
our opportunities as we operate within one of the most important electronics mar-
kets in the world. And, as our first project house outside Germany, it enables us to
intensify the global reach of our research activities and close ranks with our custo-
mers.
At its core, Evonik is now a specialty chemicals company. To advance our align-
ment to the future-oriented markets of health and nutrition, resource efficiency,
and globalization of technologies, Evonik has appointed three new members to its
Executive Board: Dr. Yu, Dr. Haeberle, and me. My responsibilities include inno
vation management and international sales—a combination that underscores the vital
connection between research and market proximity.
elements35 Issue 2|2011
4 Ne ws
New plant for head of the Consumer Specialties Business
Unit. „Now we are following our customers
organic specialty to Asia, with state-of-the-art technology and
surfactants in China correspondingly high-quality ingredients.
This allows us to supply our customers at the
accustomed high level of quality.“
Evonik is building an integrated production China is expected to be the biggest mar-
plant for organic specialty surfactants at its ket for cosmetics in Asia short-term, leaving
site in Shanghai (China). With an investment Japan behind to number 2 position. The mar-
volume in the upper double-digit million ket in China will account for 25 percent of the
range, the production network± is scheduled global absolute growth of the upcoming five
to begin operation in mid 2013. The various years. The Chinese market for cosmetic in-
specialty surfactants based on renewable raw gredients, which is mainly driven by multi-
materials will be used primarily for cosmetics national corporations, is growing by 10 per-
and laundry care products, as well as for in- cent annually. The main reason for this
dustrial applications. Evonik is a leading sup- growth is the developing middle class in
plier in these areas. China, whose consumption patterns have
By building the plant at the Shanghai site, The Chinese market for cosmetic ingredients is changed in favor of higher quality products.
Evonik benefits from the infrastructure of the growing by 10 percent annually In Asia, the market for laundry care prod
large Shanghai Chemical Industry Park (SCIP) ucts is driven by a growing environmental
and close proximity to its customers‘ produc- The new integrated production plant will consciousness. Evonik’s products are par
tion facilities. The integrated production net- produce ingredients for cosmetics and laun ticularly eco-friendly. For industrial special-
work will feature state-of-the-art technology dry care products, as well as specialty surfac- ty surfactants, the market is growing based
and meet correspondingly high environment tants for industrial applications. The Chinese on improved technology standards and
al standards. Last fall, in its most recent pro- cosmetics industry accounts for the lion‘s increasing regulatory requirements. With
ject at SCIP, Evonik commissioned a plant for share of production. the construction of the new integrated pro-
the production of plastics and plastics ingre- „We are already well-positioned in the duction plant, Evonik is also increasing its
dients—a 250-million-euro investment for market for cosmetic ingredients in Europe local capacities in technical service, market
the Group. and the United States,“ says Dr. Claus Rettig, ing and sales.
Catalysts for biodiesel: plant in Argentina planned
Evonik Industries is planning to build a new
facility to produce catalysts for the manufac-
ture of biodiesel in Argentina. Basic engineer
ing for this plant, which will have capacity of
over 60,000 metric tons p.a., has now been
completed and construction work is expected
to start in July 2011. Following completion,
which is scheduled for the end of 2012 at the
latest, the plant will produce ready-to-use
alcoholates for use as catalysts in the produc-
tion of biodiesel from renewable raw mate
rials. The project is still contingent on the ap-
proval of the relevant authorities.
The plant will be located in Puerto Unit. The new plant will supply especially ity in Argentina. In the new process, alcohol
General San Martin, in the Rosario region, at Argentina and Brazil. ates are produced by reacting alcohol with a
the heart of Argentina‘s biodiesel industry. Evonik has proven expertise in the pro- lye.
Evonik is planning to build the plant on the duction of biodiesel catalysts, backed up by Evonik is already a global market leader
same site as Terminal 6 S.A., which operates many years of experience. In 2009 it started in biodiesel catalysts—a position it also holds
a large biodiesel facility. „Locating the facili- up a new production facility in Mobile (USA) in South America. „The planned new facility
ty at the Terminal 6 site enables us to use the with capacity of 60,000 metric tons p.a. This in Argentina strengthens our commitment to
existing infrastructure and gives us excellent plant, which was built in just nine months, this region,“ says Van den Bergh. „In the mid-
logistics connections. It could therefore be serves the growing North American market term, we are anticipating strong double-digit
erected swiftly, enabling us to supply cata- for biodiesel. growth in the biodiesel market.“ Evonik oper
lysts competitively to customers in South Following the success of the new produc- ates a facility in Niederkassel-Lülsdorf, near
America,“ comments Jan Van den Bergh, who tion technology at this US facility, the plan is Cologne (Germany) as well as its facility in
heads the Advanced Intermediates Business to use the same technology for the new facil the USA.
elements35 Issue 2|2011
N e ws 5
Fiscal year 2010: the best result so far in the Chemicals core business
„2010 was an outstanding year for us,“ com- chemicals business ranks among the sector Group aims to achieve a sustained reduction
mented Dr. Klaus Engel, Chairman of the leaders as of 2010. „We want to remain in costs of € 500 million p.a. from 2012. All
Executive Board of Evonik Industries AG, at among the best in class in the future as well,“ key cost items were analyzed and structures
the financial press conference. The Group‘s said Engel. and processes were examined with a view to
core chemicals business reported by far the The Group has therefore embarked on attaining this goal. By the end of 2010, spe-
best performance in its history. In order to key strategic investment projects. It is plann cific measures had been defined to meet all
realize its focus on specialty chemicals, at the ing to invest €500 million in a new methio- target savings and over three quarters of the
end of 2010 Evonik agreed to sell a majority nine facility in Singapore, which is scheduled savings (almost € 400 million) had already
stake in its energy business to a consortium to start producing feed additives in 2014. In been achieved.
of municipal utilities in Germany‘s Rhine- addition, capacity for precipitated silicas in
Ruhr region. As a result, the Energy Business Asia and Europe is to be increased by 25
Chemicals reported a
Area has been reclassified to discontinued percent by 2014. Further, Evonik is planning
operations. In addition, further progress was to build a new facility for isophorone chem record performance
made in amalgamating the residential real es- icals, preferably in Asia, to come on stream The Chemicals Business Area grew sales by
tate companies Evonik Immobilien GmbH and in 2013. The Group already occupies sig a strong 29 percent to € 12,867 million (2009:
THS GmbH. nificant market positions in all three of € 9,978 million). This was driven mainly by
„Our refocusing has almost been complet these businesses and now aims to strength volumes and prices. In most business units
ed. In the future, the name Evonik will be en them selectively in the relevant growth demand was back at or even above the level
synonymous with global leadership in special- markets. seen in the first half of 2008, before the re-
ty chemicals,“ said Engel. The focus is on the cession. As a result, many production facilities
most important global megatrends. „We want Group sales and operated at full capacity.
to grow and increase our profitability further. The effective action to cut costs and raise
earnings considerably
To achieve that, in future the management of efficiency, together with a substantial rise in
Evonik will be geared to making us faster, higher than last year volumes, high capacity utilization, and in
leaner and more flexible, with an even stron- Group sales advanced 26 percent to € 13,300 creased margins boosted both EBITDA and
ger market focus,“ said Engel. million. Strong demand, high capacity utili- EBIT to record levels. Earnings in all business
zation and improved margins lifted earnings units were well above the pre-recession level.
Additional Executive Board before interest, taxes, depreciation, amorti- EBITDA grew 47 percent year-on-year to
zation and the non-operating result (EBITDA) € 2,357 million while EBIT surged 83 percent
members appointed 47 percent to € 2,365 million. The Group‘s to € 1,702 million.
for chemicals business EBITDA margin improved from 15.3 percent
The Executive Board has therefore been in- to 17.8 percent. Earnings before interest,
Spending on
creased to six members effective April 1, taxes and the non-operating result (EBIT)
2011. Patrik Wohlhauser (46) is the Executive surged 89 percent to € 1,639 million; net in- R&D increased
Board member responsible for the Consumer, come tripled to € 734 million in 2010 (2009: Evonik increased research and development
Health & Nutrition segment, Dr. Thomas € 240 million). spending by 13 percent to € 338 million in
Haeberle (54) is responsible for the Resource In response to the economic crisis, Evonik 2010 (2009: € 300 million). Around 60 per-
Efficiency segment and Dr. Dahai Yu (49) for introduced the „On Track“ efficiency enhance cent of this was spent on the development
the Specialty Materials segment. With an ment program at the start of 2009. To bring of new products and new technology plat-
EBITDA margin of 18.3 percent, Evonik‘s core a lasting improvement in competitiveness, the forms.
Chemicals Business Area: R&D spending [%] R&D in the Chemicals Business Area
Development of new products 40 R&D employees approx. 2,300
Basic research for new key technologies 19 Locations more than 35
Improved production processes for established products 24 Total R&D projects approx. 500
Improved applications for established products 11 R&D projects focusing on resource efficiency approx. 100
Other 6 Cooperation with universities and scientific institutes approx. 300
Number of new patent applications approx. 250
Patents (granted and pending) more than 24,000
Registered trademark (granted and pending) more than 7,500
elements35 Issue 2|2011
6 Ne ws
PEEK polymer capacity to be expanded
Evonik Industries is significantly expanding ufacturing components that must withstand manager. VESTAKEEP® PEEK polymers are
its polyether ether ketone (PEEK) capacity in long-term use under the most severe end-use used in demanding applications in medical as
response to growing global demand. Along environments. well as in the automotive, aerospace, semi-
with a number of optimization measures, the „The capacity expansion not only reflects conductor, and entertainment electronics in-
company is modernizing an existing plant. the continuous growth in all relevant indus- dustry and in the oil and natural gas sectors.
The project at the Changchun site in China is tries, but is also the result of the successful Furthermore, thanks to the unique combina-
scheduled to be completed by 3rd quarter commercialization of numerous new projects. tion of mechanical, thermal and tribological
2011. Evonik has been selling its highly tem- This expansion testifies to the on-going com- properties VESTAKEEP® PEEK allows the
perature-proof and chemical-resistant PEEK mitment we are making to support our replacement of metal in these and several
polymers under the brand name VESTAKEEP® customer’s continued growth“, says Sanjeev other applications.
for a number of years. They are used for man Taneja, Evonik’s global business VESTAKEEP® VESTAKEEP® 5000G is the latest PEEK
polymer in addition to Evonik’s product
range. The material offers significantly
higher impact resistance and a better fatigue
profile under dynamic stress as compared to
commercial available grades. It addresses the
unmet needs of the customers. The company
also introduced its VESTAKEEP® M and
VESTAKEEP® I series for applications in med
ical and implant industry two years ago. The
comprehensive product portfolio covers vir-
tually all industrial applications and supports
Evonik’s strategy of serving as a long-term,
reliable partner in the PEEK market.
Evonik´s Changchun
site in China
First project house in Taiwan
Evonik Industries is setting up its first project mers’ innovation cycles, which are becoming cycles are becoming shorter and shorter,”
house outside Germany. Light & Electronics, progressively shorter.” says Dr. Michael Cölle, head of the project
a research and development unit established Fast-growing electronics segments include house. “The task of this project house is to
on April 1, is located in the Hsinchu Tech displays, LEDs, portable communication and acquaint ourselves better with customers’
nology Park in Taiwan. The focus of its work information devices such as navigation de- processes and value chains, and consolidate
is new products and technologies for the vices and tablet PCs, as well as photovoltaics. our opportunities in these markets through
photovoltaics, display, LED, and lighting in- The key Asian regions are China, Japan, joint developments.”
dustries. Korea, and Taiwan, where a number of im- In the project houses, Evonik works on
The project house seeks partnerships and portant R&D companies in this field have medium-risk research topics involving mul
joint developments with Taiwanese institutes, their headquarters. According to the German tiple business units; the emphasis is therefore
and above all, with local electronics compa- Institute in Taipei, Taiwan stands out among on medium- and long-term success. Project
nies. This is another strategic step in the con- these countries as the world market leader in houses run for three years, during which time
solidation of the Group’s global position. such products as notebooks, scanners, moni- roughly 15 to 30 employees typically develop
“With the new project house, our goal is to tors, and LCD monitors. Evonik already main- new products and technologies in collabora-
move closer to one of the most important tains partnerships with Taiwanese companies tion with cooperation partners and universi-
electronics markets in the world so that we through the joint ventures Evonik Forhouse ties. As a rule, the new developments of the
can tap into the growth opportunities the Optical Polymers manufacturing acrylic poly project houses are marketed by a business
region offers,” explained Patrik Wohlhauser, mers in Taichung for TFT liquid crystal dis- unit or continued through an internal start-up.
the member of Evonik‘s Executive Board re- plays, and Evonik Cristal Materials Corpor Light & Electronics is the ninth project
sponsible for innovation management. “The ation, which produces glass lenses for the house to be set up by Evonik and its strategic
new site is a further development of our suc- next generation of LEDs. research and development unit Creavis
cessful project house concept. With this, Additional contacts will be made and cul- Technologies & Innovation. The company’s
Evonik is intensifying its focus on business tivated through the project house. “Electron long-term strategic goal is to make the pro-
development and customer loyalty and is ics and lighting are extremely fast, dynamic ject house the nucleus of another R&D com-
adapting its innovation processes for custo- markets, whose innovation and product life- petence center for the Group in Asia.
elements35 Issue 2|2011
N e ws 7
Plans for isophorone plants in China
Evonik Industries plans to construct new iso- region. Evonik currently produces isophorone
Isophorone derivatives
phorone and isophorone diamine plants in chemicals in Mobile (Alabama, USA), as well are used in, among
Shanghai (China). Basic engineering at the as in Marl and Herne (Germany). other things, composite
materials for wind
Multi User Site China (MUSC), Evonik‘s pro- “Evonik is the only company globally that
turbines
duction site in Shanghai, should be complete produces and markets the entire range of
within the next few months, and the world- isophorone chemicals,” says Dr. Ulrich Küst
scale plants are scheduled to go onstream in hardt, head of the Coatings & Additives
2013. With this investment, Evonik is sending Business Unit. “And with the construction of
out a clear signal for further growth in iso- the new world-scale, state-of-the-art plants,
phorone chemicals, and is emphasizing the we plan to strengthen this position and at
high significance of the strategically impor- the same time extend our global production
tant Asian region. network into Asia.” Isophorone, isophorone
Growing global demand from a large diamine, isophorone diisocyanate, and their
number of user industries is the driving force derivatives are important components in the
behind the decision to construct the new production of industrial flooring, artificial
plants. The planned investment will allow the leather, and paints and coatings, for exam
company to benefit from the future growth ple. They are also used in high-performance
of the market and in particular to satisfy composite materials and in chemical synthe-
increasing demand from customers in the Asia sis.
Evonik acquires the hanse chemie Group
At the end of March 2011 Evonik Industries subject to the approval of the corporate by end-consumers in such markets as the
closed a purchase agreement to acquire the bodies. construction industry, automotive manufac-
hanse chemie Group. By acquiring the Group, Based in Geesthacht, near Hamburg, the ture, dental technology, and in photovoltaic
which includes hanse chemie AG and nano- hanse chemie Group produces high-quality systems. The silicate-based nanomaterials
resins AG, Evonik will be able to enter addi- components and raw materials for the and other specialties by nanoresins AG are
tional markets for specialty applications in sil manufacture
of sealants and adhesives, used in highly scratch-resistant coatings, ad
icone chemistry. Both parties agreed not to molding and casting compounds, for exam hesives, fiber composites, and embedding
disclose the purchase price. The sale is still ple. Hanse chemie AG’s products are used materials.
VESTAKEEP® enhances safety of automotive steering columns
The BMW Group has approved spindle nuts not break, even under the most severe con- The PEEK polymers that had been used in the
made from VESTAKEEP® PEEK, a polymer ditions. In case of an accident, the spindle past were unable to meet BMW’s stringent
made by Evonik Industries, for use in electrical nuts will not break and thus preventing any requirements and failed during stress tests.
steering column adjustment assemblies. The plastic pieces from disabling the function of Thanks to its improved ductility and impact-
VESTAKEEP® L4000G-based spindle nuts do safety-relevant features such as airbags. resistance, VESTAKEEP® PEEK passed the
tests and also met the requirement of high
dimensional stability at different tempera
tures.
VESTAKEEP® spindle nuts are used in the
electrical steering column adjustment assem-
blies that are manufactured by Solingen,
Germany-based C. Rob. Hammerstein GmbH
& Co. KG. Thanks to their exceptional char
acteristics, they may in the future also be used
in mechanical steering column adjustment as-
semblies.
Evonik`s PEEK polymers offer particularly
VESTAKEEP® based high resistance to temperatures and chem
spindle nuts passed
icals.
the stress tests
elements35 Issue 2|2011
8 D ESIGNI N G WITH PO LYM ER S
To ensure the engine
runs smoothly: Engine
oils should work reliably
for about 30,000 kilo-
meters. Gear oils, which
are more complicated to
change, should retain
their lubricating action
for roughly 20 years
Innovative engine oil additives reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions
Perfectly lubricated
Lubricants for engines and drives are all-stars: they function as well in heat as in
ice cold, despite mechanical stresses, and remain stable for years. They owe these
advantages mainly to high-performance additives. Specialists at Evonik in
Darmstadt have developed comb polymers, which not only meet all the demands
of advanced drives but also noticeably reduce consumption and emissions.
[ text Boris Eisenberg, Dr. Torsten Stöhr, Dr. Michael Müller ]
elements35 Issue 2|2011
D ESIGNIN G WITH POLYMER S 9
No machine, plant, engine would be any use This principle applies to all fluids—whether honey,
without lubricant. Wherever moving metal surfaces water or oils. The viscosity index (VI) is key to the
come in contact with each other, a lubricant is vital. evaluation of lubricants. It describes the temperature
They reduce friction, muffle noise, prevent prema- dependency of the kinematic viscosity of the oil—the
ture wear and tear. Lubricants work best when their force necessary to loosen the molecular interlocking
viscosity is aligned to the application: if the oil is too and get the oil to flow. Oils with a low VI change their
thick, it prevents the parts from moving. If it is too viscosity with the temperature more easily than oils
thin, the metal surfaces can engage without any pro- with a high VI. As a rule, engines require oils that
tection—machines and engines then break down very work reliably both summer and winter, which means
quickly. oils with a high viscosity index. These kinds of oils
The effectiveness of lubricants depends on their provide adequate lubrication in summer, and are suf-
viscosity, and the viscosity, in turn, depends on the ficiently free-flowing in winter.
temperature. The colder the temperature, the higher
the viscosity, and the thicker the fluid. At high tem-
peratures, viscosity decreases, and the liquid be High standards for mineral oils
comes thinner and more free-flowing. This is based Pure mineral oils are suitable to only a limited extent
on a simple molecular mechanism: particles of thick in applications with changing temperature ranges. At
liquids are strongly bound to each other by molecular 15 degrees Celsius, they are already as thick as butter
interactive forces and, therefore, relatively immobile. and behave less like lubricants and more like brakes
This inner friction resembles the movement of two on the moving parts. Today, a conventional engine
layers of molecules lying interlocked, one above the oil has to work reliably and efficiently between minus
other. Force must be used to overcome the inter- 40 and plus 150 degrees Celsius. This is why existing
locking. When the temperature rises, the interactive engine oils normally consist of a low-viscosity base
forces weaken, and the molecules glide across each oil selectively thickened with additives.
other easier. The viscosity decreases as a result, and Evonik has long produced polymer-based additives
the liquid becomes thinner. that increase and optimize the viscosity index. 333
The effect of temperature on polymer solubility.
Because polymers swell with rising temperatures, they ensure that the viscosity
of the solution stays as constant as possible compared to pure oil
Solubility in oil
Poor Good
Low High
Temperature
elements35 Issue 2|2011
10 D ESIG NIN G WITH POLYM E R S
333 The type of polymers and, above all, their molec
ular mass, is key to the effectiveness of these viscos
ity index improvers (adding 3 to 7 percent corres-
ponds to an additive content of 2.5 percent): the
larger the molecules, the more they swell with rising
temperatures and keep the lubricant sufficiently
thick, even at high operating temperatures.
Large molecules do have one weak point, how
ever: mechanical stress in the thin lubrication gap
can easily tear the polymer chain. For this reason, the
second key parameter for the suitability of a lubrica-
tion oil is the shear stability of the polymers used.
High shear stability means that the molecular chains
are split slowly, even with heavy mechanical loading,
so the polymer breaks down only after several years
of service. Gear oils are expected to retain their lu-
bricating effect for about 20 years, while engine oils
are supposed to work reliably for approximately
30,000 kilometers.
VI improvers ensure the viscosity
stays as constant as possible
Evonik has supplied VI improvers based on poly
alkyl(meth)acrylate (PAMA) for decades under the
VISCOPLEX® trademark. The molecules consist of a
long polymethacrylate chain with alkyl side chains
that ensure solubility in the base oil. In solution, the
PAMA chains form a ball, which wells up with in
creasing temperature. When this happens, the balls
expand, thereby increasing the viscosity of the oil. To
be more exact, VISCOPLEX® ensures that the viscos
ity of the solution remains as similar as possible com-
pared to that of the pure base oil without additive.
What the chemists are doing, then, is thwarting
physics: The effect is contrary to the natural behav
Measuring kinematic
viscosity, which indicates
how much force is
required to get a liquid
to flow At low temperatures, the comb polymers reduce the kinematic viscosity
of the oil compared to PAMA by about one third. At high temperatures,
they achieve the same good values as PAMA polymers. Bottom line: comb
polymers reduce the temperature dependency of viscosity
Log log (KV [cst+0.8]) Expanded
PAMA
Contracted
PAMA
Expanded
comb
Collapsed
comb
Oil-insoluble
Base oil PAMA backbone
oil-soluble
polyolefin arms
Log T [K]
elements35 Issue 2|2011D ESIGNIN G WITH POLYMER S 11
ior of a liquid, which always becomes thinner when Resource Efficiency
the temperature rises. The additives reduce the loss
in viscosity and expand the temperature window in
which the oil displays optimal lubrication.
In principle, the thinner the oil, the easier it is for
an engine to run, and the less fuel it consumes. The
art lies in keeping an oil‘s viscosity as stable as pos-
sible within the highest possible temperature range.
Today’s engines and transmissions are becoming
increasingly compact and powerful. This means
increasing standards for lubricants. For this reason,
the chemists at Evonik have searched for molecular
structures that hold the flow properties of the lubri-
cant nearly constant without becoming too thick in
cold temperatures and thin in hot temperatures.
Even more powerful: comb polymers
The specialists from Darmstadt have developed a
completely new architecture for the molecules of the
polymers. The backbone consists of extremely long,
polar molecule chains that carry non-polar polyole-
fins as side chains at regular intervals.
Chemists refer to these as “comb polymers” be-
cause their structure resembles a comb. The building
blocks of the long backbone consist of short-chained
methacrylates, and other co-monomers. By varying
the percentages of the monomer mixture, the pola-
rity of the chain and the number of side chains can
Politicians demand
be selectively controlled during polymerization. economical vehicles with
About 100 monomers have an average of 0.8 to 1.6
molecular teeth, each with some 400 carbon atoms. low CO2 emissions
The modified structure results in completely new
properties. The long side chains ensure extremely Today, engine developers and car manufacturers not only focus
good solubility in the base oil over a broad tempera- their attention on the design and performance of their products but
ture range. The stiffness of the backbone is designed on fuel consumption and emissions. The pressure is coming primar
in such a way that the large molecules „collapse“ at ily from the political arena: Over the next few years, the EU will be
low temperatures by forming very small units, so that reducing the permissible fuel consumption of new vehicles in several
the lubricant remains adequately free-flowing. If the stages. By 2015, manufacturers will have to reduce fuel consump
temperature rises, the long side chains push apart and tion to the point that exhaust emissions are, on average, below 130
the comb polymer wells up, which results in the desi- grams of CO2 per kilometer. In 2010, the average CO2 value of
red thickening effect. newly registered cars in Germany was 151 g/km. Car manufacturers
Comb polymers have proven their outstanding and importers who do not comply with EU limits in the future will
properties as lubricant additives on a number of en- have to shoulder millions of euros in fines.
gine test stands. Compared to conventional PAMA ad Engineers use an array of methods to reduce fuel consumption:
ditives, they show significantly better values for all key lower vehicle weight, improved aerodynamics, more efficient en
parameters. The shear stability of the molecules is gines and drive trains. Most of these methods are technical in nature.
many times higher, and the flow properties of the oil But the more sophisticated the component, the more expensive and
are optimized during cold start. The kinematic viscos time-consuming it is to increase its efficiency and performance even
ity, measured at 40 degrees Celsius, is about one third more. In addition to technical optimization, selecting a high-perfor-
lower. This means that the lubricant is easy to pump mance lubricant can also reduce a vehicle‘s fuel consumption and
at relatively low operating temperatures, and the emissions. Thanks to their modified chemical structure, the new
movement of the engine parts and gear wheels in the additives from Evonik each show optimal viscosity over a broad tem-
transmission slows only a little—an effect that has a perature range, and guarantee highly efficient operation of engines
direct and positive impact on fuel consumption. and transmissions. Test-stand results have shown that additives based
Lubricants must be precisely coordinated to oper on comb polymers achieve fuel savings of about 1.5 percent. The
ating conditions. Because thermal stress on the poly benefit corresponds more or less to that obtained through high-effi
mers is particularly high in the engine, comb poly- ciency wheel bearings or an electronic start-and-stop system for
mers for engine oils contain fewer side chains than the engine. For engine developers and car manufacturers, then, this
those for gear oils. Shear stability is the most 333 margin is a giant leap.
elements35 Issue 2|201112 D ESIG NIN G WITH POLYM E R S
Additives are supposed to keep
the viscosity of lubricating oils
constantly within an optimal
range over the widest possible
range of temperatures. The
viscosity index (VI) plays a
decisive role. Changing temper
atures have a greater impact
on the viscosity of oils with a
low VI than on the viscosity of
oils with a high VI
333 important factor in transmissions—in a fast turning
transmission, extremely small toothed gear flanks are
subject to strong forces and significantly higher pres-
sures than in the engine. Consequently, comb poly-
mers have to stand up to high shear forces while
retaining optimal viscosity values over a wide range
of temperatures.
Fuel consumption reduced once again
After many years of development work, chemists at
Evonik have developed four comb-polymer-based
high-performance additives that meet all the demands
of today’s engines and transmissions. Most impor-
tantly, these developments also help reduce fuel con-
sumption and emissions. In a comparison with a stan-
dardized reference oil (RL 191), conventional PAMA
additives have been shown to reduce fuel consump-
tion by 3.5 percent—comb polymers in the engine oil,
on the other hand, lower fuel consumption by 4.4
percent. In combination with gear oils, which also
contain comb polymers, the savings increases to a
total of about 1.5 percent.
At first glance, a 1.5 percent reduction in fuel con-
sumption does not seem particularly high. Compari-
son in absolute figures reveals the actual weight of
this relatively small percentage: the International
Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that, worldwide, road
traffic emits about five billion metric tons of carbon
dioxide per year. Of this figure, 1.5 percent corres-
ponds to a savings of 75 million metric tons. Accord
ing to EU standards, average CO2 emissions per
vehicle and per kilometer must be reduced by about
elements35 Issue 2|2011D ESIGNIN G WITH POLYMER S 13
Influence of the engine oil on gas consumption. The measure- Influence of the gear oil on gas consumption, measured as torque
ment was taken on the engine test stand in Darmstadt, and a loss on the drive shaft. Here, too, comb polymers can help reduce
standardized reference oil (RL 191) was used for comparison. gas consumption by another 0.5 percent compared to PAMA
Compared to PAMA, oils with comb polymers can reduce
gas consumption by another 0.9 percent PAMA: 20 °C; 44 °C; efficiency = 95.2%
Comb: 20 °C; 44 °C; efficiency = 95.7%
Comb PAMA
Advantage vs. RL191 [%] Torque loss [Nm]
5.0 5
4.5 4.4
●
4.0
4 ●
3.5 3.5
3.0
●
●
2.5 3
●
2.0
●
1.5
2
●
1.0
●
0.5
0 1
0 25 50 75 100 125 150
Applied torque [Nm]
20 grams by the year 2015—and the new comb poly-
mers can eliminate up to 2.5 of those grams. Boris Eisenberg joined Evonik‘s Oil Additives
Business Line in 1995, and currently works in product
This shows how the chemists at the Oil Addit ives development in the Innovation Management unit.
Business Line are translating the ideas and wishes of Since 2008, he has been responsible for product devel
engine developers and lubricant manufacturers into opment with a focus on defined polymer architecture.
Eisenberg holds a degree in chemical engineering from
a chemical structure of the required additives. They the University of Darmstadt (Germany) and is author
act as mediator between the growing technical chal- of more than 20 patents and scientific publications.
lenges of engines and drive trains, and the practical +49 6151 18-3028, boris.eisenberg@evonik.com
experience of lubricant manufacturers. This requires
close cooperation with formulators in setting the very
specific properties of the lubricant and a continuous
exchange with customers and suppliers. Dr. Torsten Stöhr studied chemistry with a focus on
polymer science at Johannes-Gutenberg University
Every engine in the world is the same in this way: Mainz (Germany) and the University of Massachusetts
They all have to run, and run as long and as trouble- at Amherst (United States). He earned his PhD at the
free as possible. But this alone is not enough anymore. Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research in Mainz, at
IBM Almaden Research Center in San Jose (California,
Traffic is increasing dramatically worldwide, and is USA), and at Stanford University in Palo Alto (Califor
considered the problem child of climate policy be- nia). He joined Evonik Industries in 2000, and came to
cause, thus far, it has been unable to noticeably curb the Oil Additives Business Line in 2002, where he
worked on defined polymer architectures. Since 2008,
traffic-related greenhouse gas emissions. he has been in charge of global product development
This is why future vehicles will also be assessed of all viscosity index improvers and pour point depres-
based on whether engineers and suppliers have sants of the business line.
+49 6151 18-4743, torsten.stoehr@evonik.com
exhausted all potential for the lowest possible fuel
consumption and low emissions. Against this back-
drop, chemically custom-designed additives can help Dr. Michael Müller is responsible for strategic mar-
ensure that advanced engines not only function keting in the Oil Additives Business Line. After study-
ing chemistry at the University of Freiburg and earning
optimally but also consume as little fuel as possible. his doctorate there at the Institute for Macromolecular
Doing so is not only in the interest of the driver but Chemistry in the working group of Prof. Gerhard
also car manufacturers, engine developers, and the Wegner, Müller started his career in 1984 at Evonik
Röhm GmbH. He held different positions in research,
oil industry—all of whom must ensure that, in the application engineering and technical service in the
future, vehicles offer substantially lower emission Acrylic Polymers and Oil Additives Business Lines, in-
levels and greater environmental compatibility. Only cluding most recently Global Business Manager Engine
Oil and Driveline for Oil Additives, before moving to
then will traditional drive technologies continue to his current position.
be relevant. 777 +49 6151 18-4573, michael.mueller.mm@evonik.com
elements35 Issue 2|201114 C ATALYS I S
Robust and selective:
metathesis catalysts for
oleochemical applications
Metathesis plays a key role in oleochemistry to make renewable resources
usable for the chemical industry. The metathesis catalysts used for this
purpose must be robust and highly active to convert the raw material
qualities, which are subject to frequent fluctuations and occasional contam
ination. The Evonik portfolio features two catalysts, catMETium® RF2
and catMETium® RF3, that can solve this difficult task.
[ text Dr. Renat Kadyrov ]
Metathesis is a chemical reaction in which four allows for direct access to renewable resources and
atoms receive new bonding affiliates in a single step. for their efficient use without creating any by-prod
Depending on the substrate combination, it is distin- ucts. For example, metathesis turns triglycerides and
guished between ring-closing metathesis (RCM), unsaturated fatty acid derivatives (from palm, soy,
cross-metathesis (CM) and ring-opening metathesis canola or sunflower oil) into fine chemicals, function
polymerization (ROMP). The development of well alized monomers, polymers, biodegradable lubricants
defined catalytic systems for metathesis reactions and specialty chemicals such as cosmetics.
won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2005. Cross metathesis of unsaturated fatty acids and
Today, metathesis is a highly significant method acid esters with functionalized olefins, allow for ac-
of the chemical industry, for instance in the develop- cessing a diversity of double-functionalized olefins.
ment and production of modern plastics or of active These represent interesting raw materials for creat
pharmaceutical ingedients (fig. 1). Ring-closing meta ing macrocyclical compounds, polyesters, poly
thesis is an elegant method for construction of macro amides, lubricants or surfactants for example. On the
cyclic ring systems and therefore is an indispensable other hand, the non-functional olefins that are gener
reaction step in the synthesis of modern active phar- ated in the same process can be further converted to
maceutical ingredients for the treatment of hepatitis α-olefins, oil field chemicals, lubricant additives and
C or cancer. Ring-opening metathesis polymerization waxes.
is an effective method to produce specialty polymers
for large, complex and corrosion-resistant com
Highly prized robustness and stability
ponents for automotive applications or chemical con-
tainers. In oleochemistry, metathesis reactions are at high temperatures
used for functionalizing unsaturated fatty acid deriv Metathesis catalysts for oleochemistry applications
atives. must have special properties for operating economi-
Evonik markets metathesis catalysts under the cally. catMETium® RF2 and catMETium® RF3 meet
name of catMETium® RF (fig. 2). All catalysts are these requirements. They stand out for high tolerance
based on unsaturated N-heterocyclic carbene Ru for a variety of raw material qualities, fulfilling an
complexes (Ru-NHC). The catalysts all share the essential prerequisite for the use of renewable re-
characteristics of high temperature stability, high sources in oleochemistry.
turn-over numbers (TON), and high selectivity. The thermal stability of catMETium® RF catalysts
The metathesis of olefins plays a particularly im- represents another advantage, which is especially im-
portant role in oleochemistry, since this technology portant in equilibrium-limited cross-metathesis 333
elements35 Issue 2|2011K ATALYSE 15
Figure 1
Ring-closing metathesis Cross metathesis
Application areas of
olefin metathesis A A
+ + +
Y Y
Ring-opening metathesis
Pharma n Oleochemistry
n
Antiviral active ingredients Functionalized oligomers
Dosing of active Bulk and
ingredients Polymer special polymers
Dental materials Coatings
Figure 2
Evonik´s catMETium® RF
product family
Me Me Ph
N
Mes N N Mes Mes N N Mes Mes N N Mes Ph N N Ph
Ph
Cl Cl Cl
Cl
Ru Ru Ru Ru
Cl Cl S Cl Cl S
S
PCy3 PCy3 PCy3 PCy3
catMETium® RF1 catMETium® RF2 catMETium® RF3 catMETium® RF4
elements35 Issue 2|201116 C ATALYSI S
Figure 3
333 or homo-metathesis. The high thermal stability of
the catalysts allows for combining the catalytic meta
Homo metathesis of methyl oleate thesis step with thermal separation and to return
non-converted starting materials to the process.
The high thermal stability of RF catalysts is evi-
O dent in the homo metathesis of methyl oleate, in
which octadec-9-ene and dimethyl-9-octadec-9-ene-1,
O 18-dioate are obtained in an equilibrium reaction (fig. 3).
While saturated Ru-NHC complexes quickly de-
O grade at temperatures just above 70 °C and therefore
produce a wide range of by-products, the catalysts of
O O the catMETium® RF technology show unparalleled
+ thermal stability and robustness, even at tempera
O tures above 100 °C.
As a result, reaction speed and productivity sig-
nificantly increase at high temperature (fig. 4). Even
Figure 4 at high reaction temperatures, the catMETium® RF2
catalyst achieves a turnover number of > 200,000
Comparison of yield in C18 diester and C18 olefin
in the homo metathesis of methyl oleate with a selectivity of > 98 percent. With an integrated
(catalyst loading 3 ppm, reaction time 2h) thermal separation of the products, the reaction equi-
librium can be shifted toward higher volumes and
Theoretical conversion in case of thermodynamic
equilibrium of homo metathesis yields without the risk of destroying the catalyst by
thermal stress.
Yield in by-products/isomers
Yield in C18 diester and C18 olefin
Saturated Ru-NHC complex Simple business model
Yield [%]
In addition to the excellent activity, selectivity, and
60 robustness of the catMETium® RF technology in var
ious application areas, Evonik offers further added
50 ● ●
value with a clear, independent IP position that is also
●
reflected in the business model. Evonik uses a simple
40 proven business model to market the catMETium® RF
catalysts that makes license agreements superfluous
30 ● and allows for transparency. The total kilogram price
for the catalysts includes all license fees for the use
20 ●
of intellectual property; customers have no further
obligations.
10 This business model is also reflected in the name,
since the acronym RF stands for Royalty Free. This
●
0 ●
● allows customers to make use of the new catalysts
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 without any restrictions. 777
Temperature [°C]
catMETium® RF2
Yield [%]
60
Dr. Renat Kadyrov deals with synthe-
50 sis, up-scaling and production of homo-
● ● ● geneous catalysts at Evonik´s Catalysts
Business Line. He received his PhD from
40 Kazan Sate University in 1984 under
● direction of Professor Boris A. Arbuzov.
Over the next ten years he worked at
30 the University of Kazan. He was as post
doctoral fellow at the University Halle/
Saale (West Germany, 1986/87) and
20
in the Max-Planck-Group at Rostock
University (1993/94). From 1994 he
10 worked at the University of Greifswald
and at the Institute of Catalysis at Ros
tock University before in 1999 he joined
0 ●
● ● ● Aventis R&T. Since 2001 he has been
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 an employee of Evonik.
Temperature [°C] +49 6181 59-8710
renat.kadyrov@evonik.com
elements35 Issue 2|2011Re sou rc e e ff ici en cy 17
Almost 5,000 km across Australia
Pioneering trip by the Wind Explorer
The Wind Explorer pilot vehicle is a two-seated
electromobile that weighs just 200 kilograms and
with a range of 400 kilometers per battery charge.
The bodywork consists mainly of a carbon fiber
composite with ROHACELL® structural foam from
Evonik. Its lithium-ion batteries, based on yet
another Evonik technology, are charged by a mobile
wind turbine or—in exceptional cases—in the
conventional way from the power grid
„We’re incredibly proud. A dream has come true,“ com telescopic mast made of bamboo. In addition to wind power, the
mented German extreme sportsmen Dirk Gion and Stefan Sim- Wind Explorer can be driven by kites. In this way, the lightweight
merer at the end of their two-and-a-half week pioneering trip vehicle reached speeds of around 80 kph as it crossed the states
across Australia. The two piloted the Wind Explorer, a light- of Western and South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales.
weight electric vehicle, from Albany on the Indian Ocean to Cor The pilots started in Perth. Having carried out various tests
poration in 17 days and set three new records during their roughly during the first 500 km, the real trip began in Albany. For the
4,900 km trip: The first time a continent had been crossed by a first 800 km to Nullarbor Plain the Wind Explorer was driven
vehicle powered by wind and lithium-ion batteries, the longest entirely by electric power. Strong winds then enabled the pilots
overall distance covered by an exclusively wind-powered land to use the kites. Finally the Wind Explorer achieved its best per-
vehicle, and the longest distance covered in 36 hours. „What‘s formance within 36 hours at the south coast, covering 493 km.
more it was resource-efficient and had virtually no impact on „It‘s great to see how lightweight construction and lithium-ion
the climate,“ said Simmerer. The Wind Explorer was powered technology can provide a response to the problem of global warm
by lithium-ion batteries, recharged by a portable wind turbine ing,“ said Simmerer.
whenever wind conditions permitted. The 200 kg vehicle there- The record trip from Albany to Sydney was not the first feat
fore only notched up electricity costs of around €10 for the al- by Gion and Simmerer. Gion made headlines in 2004/2005 with
most 5,000 km trip. the „Earthflyer“ kiteboard project in Australia and in 2006 as a
Gion and Simmerer came up with the idea for this record- water-skier towed by the “MS-Deutschland” cruise liner. In 1997
breaking trip last summer. Just weeks later they found the Simmerer was the first person to cross Chang Tang, the Tibetan
necessary partners in German industry, led by Evonik Industries high plateau, and climb Zangser Kangri (6,551 meters). He has
AG. Evonik provided the materials for the lightweight bodywork since led expeditions in South America, Africa and Kamchatka.
and the high-performance lithium-ion batteries. The battery Pioneering projects like the Wind Explorer are a good op-
pack with power of 8 kWh enabled the Wind Explorer to run portunity for German industrial companies to test their technol
for about 400 km in demanding temperatures of 60 °C. Dr. Klaus ogy under extreme conditions and extend their technical edge.
Engel, Chairman of Evonik‘s Executive Board, congratulated the Competition is particularly tough in the automotive sector, which
team: „This was a tremendous achievement by Dirk Gion and is increasingly turning its attention to electric and hybrid vehi-
Stefan Simmerer. It shows what pioneering spirit and German cles. New lightweight materials such as ROHACELL®, which was
high-technology are capable of.“ used in the Wind Explorer, and smart tire technologies that re-
The special feature of the Wind Explorer is that it is an elec- duce rolling resistance are in great demand. However, the race
tric vehicle with its own mobile power supply. When the battery for tomorrow‘s technology to power electric vehicles will be
is empty, the pilots can recharge them via a portable wind tur- won principally by expertise in batteries. „Through our sub-
bine, if wind conditions allow, or via the conventional power net- sidiary Li-Tec we aim to become the European market leader in
work. It takes half an hour to erect the turbine and six-meter high battery cells,“ said Engel. 777
elements35 Issue 2|201118 Ne ws
Prize awarded in the 2011 nano+art competition
What happens when art and science enter a dialogue, when space is The competition invited entries from female students, graduates and
given to the tensions and synergies between both disciplines? This young scientists working in the field of nanotechnology at universi-
year’s presentation of the prizes for the nano+art competition pro ties, research institutes and other organizations in Germany and
vided at least a visually impressive answer to these questions. In his Europe. Entrants were asked to submit images from their research
speech at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Harald Schmidt, head of work on the themes of „Woman“ and „Man,“ with the ultimate goal
the strategic R&D unit Creavis Technologies & Innovation, stressed of raising awareness of nanotechnology among the broader public
the importance of nanotechnology for Evonik and highlighted the and making it more understandable. This is why the Employer
great potential for development of new products and improved pro- Branding unit of Evonik Industries has organized the event for the
cesses. last six years.
1
With her entry “Opera Ball” (left), Julia Lambrecht
from Kassel was the grand prize winner of this
year’s nano+art competition, and grateful recipient
of the €1,000 prize money. The winning image shows a
photomicrograph of a crystallized organic semiconduc-
tor material. Some of the crystals formed on the surface
of the substrate during preparation of an organic tran-
sistor. In this process, the development of the visible
crystallites is an undesired side effect of the intended
generation of organic semiconductor nanowires.
2
Second place and a check for €500 went to Aruna Ivaturi
from the Nanoscience Centre of Cambridge University
for her „Floral Bouquet“ (top right): „The multi-colored
‘dandelions’ in this floral bouquet represent women all over the
world—various shades of personality, character and identity,“
explains Ivaturi. Her Floral Bouquet is a scanning electron micro-
graph of tin oxide nanorods grown by a hydrothermal method.
The dominance of the homogeneous nucleus formation during
growth leads to the formation of dandelions. The stunningly
unusual architecture of these „flowers“ makes them promising
candidates for electrode material in such products as low-cost
batteries and solar cells for the energy storage and conversion
markets.
3
Third prize, which carried an award of
€250, went to Claudia Mattheis for
her “Dancer” (bottom right), a digital
micrograph of electrospun polymer com
posite nanofibers. The thickened parts, and
their interplay with the fibers, were inter-
preted as a passionate dancer, whose spirited
movements can vibrate the surrounding
area. This image addresses the theme of
„Woman.“
elements35 Issue 2|2011N e ws 19
Study verifies effectiveness of conditioning agent against hair breakage
Shampoos and conditioners that contain the smoothness. All testing was performed on
new silicone conditioning agent ABIL® T Quat hair damaged in the standard way, and in
60 from Evonik significantly reduce hair fiber volved repeated combing with a custom-built
breakage. This is the result of a joint study by automated grooming device, followed by
Evonik‘s Care Specialties Business Line and counting the number of broken fibers. To en-
TRI/Princeton of Princeton (New Jersey, sure statistical relevance, the experts evaluat
USA), a leading independent research insti- ed eight tresses per treatment. The results of
tute largely devoted to the study of human the experiment show that the shampoo and
Hair breakage, as revealed by a
hair. ABIL® T Quat 60 also provides outstand conditioner formulations containing the new
scanning electron microscope
ing conditioning features, such as easy comb conditioning ingredient ABIL® T Quat 60 pro-
ing and a superior feel in both wet and dry vide a dramatic anti-breakage benefit by 60%
states. The conditioning agent is universally Evonik always substantiates its hair product for shampoo and 88% for conditioner.
suitable for all shampoos and conditioners. solutions through many hair performance The extreme effectiveness of ABIL® T
Broken hair fibers are brittle, fray, and tests. As the experts from Evonik and TRI/ Quat 60 against hair breakage is a result of
lead to the formation of unsightly split ends. Princeton have proven, ABIL® T Quat 60 its excellent substantivity to hair keratin. This
As a result, they reduce the perception of hair reduces hair breakage in both shampoos and silicone conditioning agent also provides
smoothness, lower shine, and hinder a fluid, conditioners. Their joint study examined the impressive heat protection properties, long-
flowing motion. Because consumers rely on breakage of hair that was treated with a lasting color protection, and a clean, silky skin
hair care products to solve this problem, im- shampoo and a conditioner containing ABIL® feel. It is highly suitable for use in condition
proving the anti-hair breakage functionality T Quat 60. The treated hair underwent de ing shampoos, dandruff shampoos and con-
of shampoos and conditioners is an important fined tests that are often used to make claims ditioners, and even leave-in formulations and
issue for the manufacturers of these products. regarding anti-breakage, strengthening, or body washes.
Nitrogen oxide reduction: Lines made from
VESTAMID® compounds satisfy requirements
AdBlue® places heavy demands on lines in
SCR systems. They must be resistant to urea
and ammonia as well as any gas mixture flow-
ing back from the catalyst. Because the urea
solution is heated to up to 60 °C, but freezes
with expansion at –11 °C, good hydrolytic
resistance and bursting strength at higher
temperatures are essential, along with high
impact resistance and elasticity at low tem
peratures.
Various VESTAMID® polyamide 12 com-
pounds satisfy all these requirements. Evonik
helps car makers develop their individual sys-
tems by offering them a variety of products.
All VESTAMID® compounds have been sub-
jected to a recirculation test with AdBlue® at
Illustration of catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides
60 °C and 80 °C (with external air temper
atures of 40 °C and 50 °C respectively) over
Evonik offers a variety of VESTAMID® poly- from diesel engines. The VDA (German a period of 5,000 hours, to check for any
amide 12 compounds that help automobile Association of the Automotive Industry) has changes in their mechanical properties. All of
manufacturers develop systems for reducing registered this solution under the brand the grades tested have excellent values for
nitrogen oxide in diesel vehicles. All the gra- AdBlue®. strain at break, bursting strength, and, in par-
des offered by Evonik have performed excel- At temperatures above 60 °C, water de- ticular, low-temperature impact strength at
lently in tests, and some are already in use. composes AdBlue®, yielding carbon dioxide –40 °C.
A 32.5-percent aqueous solution of urea and ammonia; the latter in turn reacts with Of all the grades tested, VESTAMID®
serves as the reducing agent in systems de- nitrogen oxides, forming water and nitrogen LX9008 best satisfied all the requirements;
veloped today by car makers for the selective and thus reducing the emission of nitrogen VESTAMID® L2140 and X7293 are already
catalytic reduction (SCR) of nitrogen oxides oxides by about 90 percent. being used in SCR systems.
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