Perstorp, Sweden -- Speciality chemicals company Perstorp is to stop production of the speciality polyol DMBA (dimethylol butanoic acid), used in polyurethane dispersions (PUDs). The Swedish chemicals group said in a 23 Sept announcement that it estimates that sufficient inventories are available able to supply the market for up to a year from now.
The move follows production efficiency improvements, said speciality chemicals company Perstorp.
"It was a tough decision to take since we have invested a lot in this product and so have our customers. We will do our utmost to support our customers by offering technical support to those that want to reformulate," said Per-Erik Velin, vice president Specialty Polyols, with Perstorp.
Perstorp makes two hyroxy acids: dimethylpropioic acid (bis-MPA) as well as DMBA. Both are used to make PUDs for coatings as well as in waterborne alkyds, polyesters and in photographic chemistry. According to Perstorp literature, bis-MPA has one tertiary carboxylic group and two primary hydroxylic groups while DMBA has also an aliphatic side group which gives improved solubility.
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