Ludwigshafen , Germany -- BASF is launching the high-performance product hydroxypropyl carbamate acrylate (HPCA) a crosslinking acrylate monomer. The new specialty monomer shortens the processing time for the manufacture of carbamate based polymers. Compared with currently existing processes, HPCA enables crosslinkable carbamate units to be incorporated into the polymer in just one step. The usual two-step procedure is no longer necessary. In addition to the shorter manufacturing process, HPCA also offers positive features for applications.

Successfully used in clearcoat systems

HPCA has already proven itself in clearcoat systems for the automotive industry. One-component coatings with HPCA achieve a comparable performance level to two-component coatings, for example with regard to weather and scratch resistance. In contrast to two-component coatings, one-component coatings are easier to use in applications and are more cost efficient.

Potential for a wide range of applications

Whats especially interesting for developers: "Due to its special chemical structure with the free carbamate group, HPCA offers additional potential for a broad range of applications in the future. With our expertise and decades of experience, we are offering to work in partnership with our customers to develop new areas of application", says Dr. Boris Breitscheidel, Business Manager Specialty Monomers. One area would be adhesives, for example. These can be hardened either thermally or using UV light. Here the free carbamate group can have a positive impact on both adhesion and cohesion, in this way making it possible to improve adhesive properties.

Industrial implementation of a white biotechnology process for manufacturing new specialty monomers

BASF researchers have successfully manufactured the specific chemical structure of HPCA on a commercial scale with the help of white biotechnology. In the biocatalytic procedure, the specialty monomer is synthesized by applying an enzyme. From HPCA the carbamate-based polyacrylate can be produced then in one step. BASF has used this procedure in industrial production for the first time.

Source: BASF