Schaffhausen, Switzerland - DSM's Neoxil business will begin production of Neoxil sizings and binders during May 2007 at a new, dedicated sizing plant in Shanghai, China.
DSM commented in a 9 May announcement that this new unit, will "further consolidate DSM's position in the development and manufacture of sizings and binders." These products are "essential value-added products used in the fibre-manufacturing industry," the statement continued.
"The new Neoxil plant is a substantial investment and underscores our commitment to better serving the growing fibre reinforcements market in the Asia-Pacific region," said business director Remko Goudappel, in the DSM statement.
"With our plant in China running alongside our plant in Italy, we will gain an increased capacity for product development and custom manufacturing," Goudappel added.
The Neoxil boss said customers in the Asia Pacific region will see improved services with fresh material and rapid deliveries replacing lengthy shipping schedules.
The new plant will produce identical products to the same "high quality, safety and environmental standards that have made the Neoxil brand a benchmark for fibre sizing emulsions for more than 30 years," Goudappel commented. Some of the Neoxil products are based on polyurethane materials.
According to DSM, sizing is a critical component in the composite value chain. It determines the optimal fibre compatibility and performance with the resin matrix.
DSM Neoxil has recently launched some new products, including an aliphatic polyether PU emulsion for thermoplastic chopped strand applications for polyamide, which is compliant with EU food contact regulations, and an aliphatic PU with high molecular weight and high solids content, which has now been commercially scaled up for global sales. epw"
