Albany, New York -- Momentive Performance Materials is to open a research and development and technical service laboratory for its Urethane Additives business in Leverkusen, Germany, its fifth such operation globally.
According to Momentive, which is a major supplier of additives to the urethanes business, the new laboratory is physically integrated with the other R&D groups of Momentive Performance Materials in Europe. These groups are active in silicone polymers, silicone surfactant and silanes for a large variety of industrial applications.
"This new laboratory demonstrates our strong commitment to the polyurethane industry and facilitates new product innovation and customer support," said Dr Ian Moore, Momentive president & ceo EMEA & India, in the company's 18 March announcement.
The German laboratory will add to the company's existing support for its "global presence in this vital industry," the company said. Other Momentive laboratories for urethane additives are in Sisterville, West Virginia and Tarrytown, New York, in the US, as well as in Shanghai, China and Ohta, Japan. Momentive's urethane additives are sold under the Niax and Geolite brands.
At Leverkusen, the urethanes experts can perform foam prototyping and is have a comprehensive physical testing unit available. Dr Pierre Chaffanjon is responsible for the new laboratory and will also lead the R&D team for rigid polyurethane foams in Leverkusen.
"The new UA facility will benefit from the close proximity to the other Momentive R&D labs in Leverkusen, with easy access to a large variety of equipment and synthesis labs, and cross-fertilisation of ideas within the larger R&D Momentive community," said Chaffanjon, in the statement.
Dr Lijun Feng and Dr Thorsten Schollmeier will be responsible for moulded and slabstock flexible foams, respectively. Momentive said its team members "have a unique combination of skills and many years of polyurethane experience."
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