Press Room
October 30, 2006
German Version
FoamStar – a new polymer molecule for high-performance, sustainable coatings
Consumers and industrial users demand paints and varnishes that are easy to use and quick-drying, and deliver high-quality results without environmental or health risks. Coatings manufacturers, meanwhile, need defoamers which will allow them to produce products which fit with the trend towards water-based coatings with a low or zero VOC content. Now Cognis has extended its FoamStar® range of defoamers, using innovative technology to combine excellent defoaming and wetting performance with environmental compatibility.
Surfactants are essential ingredients in water-based coatings. However, they can also have the unwanted side effect of stabilizing foam produced during application. Conventional defoamers can help solve this problem, but they often impair the coating’s wetting performance, resulting in a defective surface finish. Cognis’ new FoamStar technology is based on a hyper-branched polymer molecule with a three-dimensional star-shaped structure, which contains both hydrophilic and hydrophobic elements. It functions as a “second surfactant,” interacting with the primary surfactant to destabilize the foam bubbles. Compared to conventional defoamers, bubble break times are substantially reduced, improving overall efficiency of water-borne coatings. The FoamStar technology enables more efficient defoaming while simultaneously enhancing dispersing, wetting and other aspects of coating performance, and improving cost effectiveness. Overall, defoamers using FoamStar technology are significantly more efficient than conventional alternatives, meaning that dosage can be reduced by between 30 and 50 percent; this in turn means reduced development and production costs for coatings, paints and varnishes.
Product performance and environmental compatibility – the twin pillars of Cognis’ innovation strategy
The combination of superior technical and environmental performance that Cognis offers reflects the needs of the market. “Our primary objective is to ensure that Cognis’ efficiency-enhancing innovations are quickly translated into visible bottom line improvements for our customers,” says Ina Puscasu, Market & Concept Development Manager for Consumer Coatings at Cognis. “The new FoamStar technology allows manufacturers to serve the trends towards convenience and sustainability. Coatings using the FoamStar technology dry faster, making them easier to apply, and deliver a high-quality surface finish. Moreover, their reduced odor and emissions make them ecologically sound. And of course, manufacturers will be pleased with the greater ease and lower cost of formulation.”
About Cognis
Cognis is a worldwide supplier of innovative specialty chemicals and nutritional ingredients, with a particular focus on the areas of wellness and sustainability. The company employs about 8,000 people, and it operates production sites and service centers in 30 countries. Cognis has dedicated its activities to a high level of sustainability and delivers natural source raw materials and ingredients for food, nutrition and healthcare markets, and the cosmetics, detergents and cleaners industries. Another main focus is on products for a number of other industries, such as coatings and inks, lubricants, textiles, as well as agriculture and mining. The company holds a 50-percent stake in the joint venture Cognis Oleochemicals, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of oleochemicals.
Cognis is owned by private equity funds advised by Permira, GS Capital Partners, and SV Life Sciences. In 2005, Cognis recorded sales of 3.18 billion euros and an Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization and exceptional items) of 356 million euros.
Contact
Ina Puscasu, Market and Concept Manager Consumer Coatings
Cognis Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG
Phone: +49-2173-4995-142
E-mail: ina.puscasu@cognis.com
Internet: www.cognis.com
Raquel Ark, Corporate Communications Manager
Cognis Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG
Phone: +49-2173-4995-464
E-mail: raquel.ark@cognis.com
Internet: www.cognis.com