Adhesives/Sealants/Composites News Releases

Air Products Increases Prices for Epoxy Additives

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Air Products (NYSE:APD) today announced that effective July 1, 2011, or as contracts allow, it will increase prices globally by 5%-10% for its range of epoxy curing agents, accelerators, adhesion promoters, diluents and specialty resins, and up to 25% on its range of Ancatherm™ hot melt adhesives and printing ink resins.

Air Products (NYSE:APD) serves customers in industrial, energy, technology and healthcare markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, and equipment and services. Founded in 1940, Air Products has built leading positions in key growth markets such as semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, home healthcare services, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives. The company is recognized for its innovative culture, operational excellence and commitment to safety and the environment. In fiscal 2010, Air Products had revenues of $9 billion, operations in over 40 countries, and 18,300 employees around the globe. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.

NOTE: This release may contain forward-looking statements within the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s reasonable expectations and assumptions as of the date of this release regarding important risk factors. Actual performance and financial results may differ materially from projections and estimates expressed in the forward-looking statements because of many factors not anticipated by management, including risk factors described in the Company’s Form 10K for its fiscal year ended September 30, 2010.

Air Products Increases Prices for Epoxy Additives

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Air Products (NYSE:APD) today announced that, effective April 1, 2011, or as contracts allow, it will increase prices globallyby up to 5% for its range of epoxy curing agents, accelerators and adhesion promoters, and up to 10% for diluents and specialty resins.

Air Products (NYSE:APD) serves customers in industrial, energy, technology and healthcare markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, and equipment and services. Founded in 1940, Air Products has built leading positions in key growth markets such as semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, home healthcare services, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives. The company is recognized for its innovative culture, operational excellence and commitment to safety and the environment. In fiscal 2010, Air Products had revenues of $9 billion, operations in over 40 countries, and 18,300 employees around the globe. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.

NOTE: This release may contain forward-looking statements within the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s reasonable expectations and assumptions as of the date of this release regarding important risk factors. Actual performance and financial results may differ materially from projections and estimates expressed in the forward-looking statements because of many factors not anticipated by management, including risk factors described in the Company’s Form 10K for its fiscal year ended September 30, 2010.

Air Products Increases Prices for Epoxy Curing Agents, Diluents and Resins

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Air Products (NYSE:APD) today announced that, effective December 1, 2010, or as contracts allow, it will increase all list and off-list prices for its epoxy curing agents, diluents, and specialty epoxy resins within North America. Epoxy curing agents will increase five to 15 cents per pound, and epoxy resins and diluents will increase five to 30 cents per pound.

The price increase is necessary to address escalating operating and raw material costs.

Air Products (NYSE:APD) serves customers in industrial, energy, technology and healthcare markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, and equipment and services. Founded in 1940, Air Products has built leading positions in key growth markets such as semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, home healthcare services, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives. The company is recognized for its innovative culture, operational excellence and commitment to safety and the environment. In fiscal 2010, Air Products had revenues of $9 billion, operations in over 40 countries, and 18,300 employees around the globe. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.

NOTE: This release may contain forward-looking statements within the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s reasonable expectations and assumptions as of the date of this release regarding important risk factors. Actual performance and financial results may differ materially from projections and estimates expressed in the forward-looking statements because of many factors not anticipated by management, including risk factors described in the Company’s Form 10K for its fiscal year ended September 30, 2010.

Air Products Announces Price Increase for Epoxy Curing Agents in Asia

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Air Products (NYSE: APD) today announced that effective May 15, 2010, it will increase prices for epoxy curing agents by 7% and specialty resin and diluents by 12% sold in Asia. This increase is necessary to offset escalating costs for key raw materials.

Air Products (NYSE:APD) serves customers in industrial, energy, technology and healthcare markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, and equipment and services. Founded in 1940, Air Products has built leading positions in key growth markets such as semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, home healthcare services, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives. The company is recognized for its innovative culture, operational excellence and commitment to safety and the environment. In fiscal 2009, Air Products had revenues of $8.3 billion, operations in over 40 countries, and 18,900 employees around the globe. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.

NOTE: This release may contain forward-looking statements. Actual results could vary materially, due to changes in current expectations.

Air Products Introduces New Defoamers for Coatings Applications

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0400

Air Products (NYSE:APD) today introduced three new defoamers for the coatings, graphic arts and adhesive markets. These new defoamers are engineered to be alkylphenol ethoxylate (APE)-free and offer long-lasting foam control and defect-free surfaces.

Surfynol® DF-178 is a formulated defoamer and de-aerator that provides strong defoaming and microfoam control and is particularly effective in spray applications. Itwas developed to provide the defoaming strength of a silicone-based defoamer but with the superior system compatibility needed in the demanding higher gloss and clear coat applications used in graphic arts and waterborne coatings.

Surfynol DF-220 is a mineral oil based defoamer that was engineered to provide exceptional defoaming in architectural and high PVC (Pigment Volume Conentration) paints and coatings. This 100% active product contains no silica, silicones or APEs.

Surfynol DF-110C defoamer is a defoaming/deairentraining agent useful for a wide variety of applications. Based on proprietary chemistry unique to Air Products, this nonionic, water-free, and silicone-free material can be utilized in areas where foam prevention or foam elimination is necessary without causing film problems. Some of the benefits include: microfoam elimination, long-lasting foam control, defect-free foam control, good dynamic wetting, excellent shelf life stability over a wide range of physical conditions, and elimination of incompatibilities associated with silicone-containing and mineral oil defoamers. Surfynol DF-110C has proven to be particularly effective at controlling microfoam in airless spray applications.

“Air Products offers a full line of defoamers to provide formulators with the correct balance between defoaming power and the compatibility and solubility of the defoamer in the system,” said Solomon Lemma, global business manager, Specialty Additives and Personal Care for Air Products. “These new APE-free defoamers were designed to provide excellent compatibility in their class as well.”

For more information on these new surfactants, please visit our Surfactants web site.

Air Products (NYSE:APD) serves customers in industrial, energy, technology and healthcare markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, and equipment and services. Founded in 1940, Air Products has built leading positions in key growth markets such as semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, home healthcare services, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives. The company is recognized for its innovative culture, operational excellence and commitment to safety and the environment. In fiscal 2009, Air Products had revenues of $8.3 billion, operations in over 40 countries, and 18,900 employees around the globe. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.

NOTE: This release may contain forward-looking statements. Actual results could vary materially, due to changes in current expectations.

Air Products Opens New Specialty Amines Plant in China

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Air Products (NYSE: APD) today has opened its new specialty amines plant in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China. The facility complements its existing local capabilities to support customers in the growing polyurethane additives and epoxy markets.

Located in the Nanjing Chemical Industry Park (NCIP), the new state-of-the-art specialty amines plant is a multi-reactor, multi-purpose facility designed to manufacture many of the amine chemistries marketed by the business globally. Air Products has already built and operates two large air separation plants and a pipeline system to serve customers in the NCIP.

“China is a high growth region for the world and for Air Products. China’s growth and domestic development in key markets and industries, such as construction, coatings, and automobile production, make this an important place for us to be focused on for growth and new business. We are honored to build our new capability in the world-class Nanjing Chemical Industry Park and participate in the development of Jiangsu Province,” said John E. McGlade, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Air Products at the opening ceremony. “The new specialty amines plant is another strategic investment that Air Products has made in China to better serve our customers with the range of performance materials and technologies that meet global performance standards and enable local companies to continue to grow and support development of their industries.”

The new specialty amines plant has significantly strengthened the supply chain capabilities of Air Products’ Performance Materials business in China and throughout Asia. Other strategic capabilities that the company has built for its Performance Materials business include a technology center in Shanghai’s Zhangjiang Industrial Park; a triethylenediamine(TEDA) manufacturing facility for polyurethane additives in Changzhou; warehouses in Changzhou, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Nanjing; plus a strong local team to serve both China and Asian customers.

The plant has also enhanced Air Products’ ability to supply differentiated products which can be formulated locally to meet local needs. The initial focus will be on several performance-oriented products marketed by Air Products’ epoxy additive and polyurethane additive product lines, including the Polycat^® and Dabco^® series of amine catalysts, and Ancamine^® , Ancamide^® and Sunmide^® series of epoxy curing agents used in diverse industries, such as coatings, inks, adhesives, construction, appliance and automotive.

Air Products (NYSE:APD) serves customers in industrial, energy, technology and healthcare markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, and equipment and services. Founded in 1940, Air Products has built leading positions in key growth markets such as semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, home healthcare services, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives. The company is recognized for its innovative culture, operational excellence and commitment to safety and the environment. In fiscal 2009, Air Products had revenues of $8.3 billion, operations in over 40 countries, and 18,900 employees around the globe. For more information, visit:
> www.airproducts.com

NOTE: This release may contain forward-looking statements. Actual results could vary materially, due to changes in current expectations.

Air Products Completes Acquisition of German Epoxy Maker S.I.Q.

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Air Products (NYSE:APD) today announced it has completed the acquisition of S.I.Q.–Beteiligungs GmbH, a manufacturer of epoxy additives based in Marl, Germany. This investment provides Air Products a line of amine and polyamide hardeners and thermoplastic resins that complements its epoxy curatives business and broadens its offering to the European market.

S.I.Q. was founded in 2000 and has sincebuilt a strong presence in the epoxy additives business in Germany and other regions of Europe.

S.I.Q. is present at the European Coatings Show (Hall 10, stand 129).

Air Products (NYSE:APD) serves customers in industrial, energy, technology and healthcare markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, and equipment and services. Founded in 1940, Air Products has built leading positions in key growth markets such as semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, home healthcare services, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives. The company is recognized for its innovative culture, operational excellence and commitment to safety and the environment. Air Products has annual revenues of over $10 billion, operations in more than 40 countries, and 21,000 employees around the globe. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.

NOTE: This release may contain forward-looking statements. Actual results could vary materially, due to changes in current expectations.

Air Products to Acquire German Epoxy Additives Maker SIQ

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Air Products (NYSE:APD) today announced it has reached an agreement to acquire S.I.Q. – Beteiligungs GmbH, a manufacturer of epoxy additives based in Marl, Germany. The transaction, terms of which are not being disclosed, is subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions.

“The acquisition of S.I.Q. gives us complementary product lines for the construction and coatings markets,” said Mike Hilton, senior vice president and general manager, Electronics and Performance Materials, for Air Products. “S.I.Q.’s line of amine and polyamide hardeners and thermoplastic resins will mesh nicely with Air Products’ epoxy curatives and broaden our offering to thesemarkets.”

S.I.Q. was founded in 2000 by a group and since 2001 has been led by Karlheinz Schoennagel,who has extensive knowledge of the epoxy industry. It quickly built a strong presence in the epoxy additives business in Germany and other regions of Europe.

“We are delighted Air Products sees our epoxy business as a valuable growth platform for their global epoxy additives business,” said Schoennagel. “We look forward to ensuring a smooth transition to Air Products.”

“Air Products is excited about adding the S.I.Q. business and the strong team that has built that business to our own global capabilities,” said Hilton. “Together, we will continue to focus on serving the growing needs of our markets and customers.”

Air Products’ Performance Materials business, with sales of $850 million in fiscal 2008, provides performance chemical offerings and solutions for the coatings, inks, adhesives, civil engineering, personal care, institutional and industrial cleaning, mining, oil field, polyurethane, and other industries.

Air Products operates in 15 countries throughout Europe, including the Central European countries of the Czech and Slovak Republics, and Poland, as well as Russia. Total European sales in Air Products’ 2008 fiscal year were approximately $3.4 billion.

Air Products (NYSE:APD) serves customers in industrial, energy, technology and healthcare markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, and equipment and services. Founded in 1940, Air Products has built leading positions in key growth markets such as semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, home healthcare services, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives. The company is recognized for its innovative culture, operational excellence and commitment to safety and the environment. Air Products has annual revenues of over $10 billion, operations in more than 40 countries, and 21,000 employees around the globe. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.

NOTE: This release may contain forward-looking statements. Actual results could vary materially, due to changes in current expectations.

Air Products Completes Sale of Non-Pressure Emulsions Business to Ashland

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Air Products (NYSE:APD) has completed the previously announced sale of its non-pressure emulsions business and related production facilities in Elkton, Md., and Piedmont, S.C., to Ashland Inc. for $92 million.

“We are pleased to complete this sale to Ashland, who best recognized the value of the employees and assets of this business,” said Wayne Mitchell, vice president, Performance Materials for Air Products. “I’d like to thank the employees of these businesses for their hard work and dedication since we announced our intention to sell these businesses. We wish them well in their continued employment with Ashland.”

The Piedmont facility manufactures Flexcryl pressure sensitive adhesives. The Elkton plant produces atmospheric emulsions that are used in paint, adhesives, and paper coatings.

The 80 employees associated with the business have been offered employment with Ashland, which plans to continue operations at the Piedmont and Elkton facilities.

In January 2008, Air Products sold its interest in Air Products Polymers to Wacker Chemie AG, its partner in the venture. As part of the sale, Air Products acquired full ownership of the Elkton and Piedmont facilities.

Air Products (NYSE:APD) serves customers in industrial, energy, technology and healthcare markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, and equipment and services. Founded in 1940, Air Products has built leading positions in key growth markets such as semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, home healthcare services, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives. The company is recognized for its innovative culture, operational excellence and commitment to safety and the environment. Air Products has annual revenues of $10 billion, operations in over 40 countries, and 22,000 employees around the globe. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.

NOTE: This release may contain forward-looking statements. Actual results could vary materially, due to changes in current expectations.

Air Products Sells Non-Pressure Emulsions Business

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Air Products (NYSE:APD) today announced it has sold its non-pressure emulsions businesses and related production facilities in Elkton, Md., and Piedmont, S.C., to Ashland Inc. for $92 million. The sale completes the disposal of assets of Air Products Polymers and is part of Air Products’ continued portfolio management efforts to make the company more focused, less cyclical and better positioned for higher growth.

"We’re pleased to have reached an agreement with an industry leader like Ashland," said Wayne Mitchell, vice president, Performance Materials, for Air Products. "Ashland best recognized the value of the employees and assets that make up the non-pressure emulsions business."

The Piedmont facility manufactures Flexcryl pressure sensitive adhesives. The Elkton plant produces atmospheric emulsions that are used in paint, adhesives, and paper coatings.

Approximately 80 employees will be offered employment with Ashland, which plans to continue operations at the Piedmont and Elkton facilities.

In January 2008, Air Products sold its interest in Air Products Polymers to Wacker Chemie AG, its partner in the venture. As part of the sale, Air Products acquired full ownership of the Elkton and Piedmont facilities.

Air Products and Ashland expect the sale, which is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, to be completed by the end of June 2008.

About Air Products

Air Products (NYSE:APD) serves customers in industrial, energy, technology and healthcare markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, and equipment and services. Founded in 1940, Air Products has built leading positions in key growth markets such as semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, home healthcare services, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives. The company is recognized for its innovative culture, operational excellence and commitment to safety and the environment. Air Products has annual revenues of $10 billion, operations in over 40 countries, and 22,000 employees around the globe. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.

About Ashland

Ashland Specialty Polymers & Adhesives, a business group of Ashland Performance Materials, is a global leader in pressure sensitive and structural adhesives for packaging and converting, building and construction, and transportation.

Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH), a diversified, global chemical company, provides quality products, services and solutions to customers in more than 100 countries. A FORTUNE 500 company, it operates through four divisions: Ashland Performance Materials, Ashland Distribution, Valvoline and Ashland Water Technologies. To learn more about Ashland, visit www.ashland.com.

NOTE: This release may contain forward-looking statements. Actual results could vary materially, due to changes in current expectations.

Air Products Completes Sale of Polymers Business to Wacker Chemie

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Air Products (NYSE:APD) today said it has completed the previously announced sale of its interests in its vinyl acetate ethylene (VAE) polymers joint ventures to its partner, Wacker Chemie AG, for $265 million and full ownership in the Elkton, Md., and Piedmont, S.C., production facilities and their related businesses.

“We are pleased to complete this sale to Wacker, our long time joint venture partner. This move is consistent with our efforts to make Air Products a more focused, less cyclical, higher growth and higher return company,” said John McGlade, president and CEO of Air Products. “I want to thank our Polymers employees for their hard work and dedication since we announced our intention to sell these businesses. We wish them well in their continued employment with Wacker Chemie.”

The sale consists of the global VAE polymers operations including production facilities located in Calvert City, Ky.; South Brunswick, N.J.; Cologne, Germany; and Ulsan, Korea; and commercial and research capabilities in Lehigh Valley, Pa., and Burghausen, Germany. The business produces VAE for use in adhesives, paints and coatings, paper and carpet applications. There are approximately 430 employees directly associated with this business. These employees have been offered employment with Wacker, which intends to continue operating the business out of the Lehigh Valley.

Air Products is currently seeking a buyer for the Elkton and Piedmont plants and related North American atmospheric emulsions and global pressure sensitive adhesives businesses.

Air Products (NYSE:APD) serves customers in industrial, energy, technology and healthcare markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, and equipment and services. Founded in 1940, Air Products has built leading positions in key growth markets such as semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, home healthcare services, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives. The company is recognized for its innovative culture, operational excellence and commitment to safety and the environment. Air Products has annual revenues of $10 billion, operations in over 40 countries, and 22,000 employees around the globe. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.

NOTE: This release may contain forward-looking statements. Actual results could vary materially, due to changes in current expectations.

Air Products in Advanced Discussions With Wacker Over Polymers Business

Tue, 06 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Air Products (NYSE:APD) and Wacker Chemie AG are in advanced discussions over Wacker’s purchase of Air Products’ shareholdings in their two joint ventures, Wacker Polymer Systems (WPS ) and Air Products Polymers (APP), including APP’s vinyl acetate-ethylene activities. Air Products holds 65 percent of APP and Wacker 35 percent. As for WPS, Wacker owns 80 percent and Air Products 20 percent.

Air Products announced its intention to sell its WPS and APP shareholdings in March 2006. The planned transaction is still subject, among other matters, to concluding final, definitive agreements and approval by Wacker’s and Air Products’ respective supervisory bodies.

APP is a global leader in sales and technology for vinyl acetate-ethylene (VAE) emulsions. VAE emulsions are an important precursor for dispersible powders, as well as adhesives, coatings, nonwovens, cement additives and sealants. WPS is mainly active in dispersible polymer powders.

Air Products (NYSE:APD) serves customers in industrial, energy, technology and healthcare markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, and equipment and services. Founded in 1940, Air Products has built leading positions in key growth markets such as semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, home healthcare services, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives. The company is recognized for its innovative culture, operational excellence and commitment to safety and the environment. Air Products has annual revenues of $10 billion, operations in over 40 countries, and 22,000 employees around the globe. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.

NOTE: This release may contain forward-looking statements. Actual results could vary materially, due to changes in current expectations.

Air Products Completes Expansion of Its China Technology Center

Thu, 15 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0400

Air Products (NYSE: APD) has embarked on a major expansion of its China Technology Center in Shanghai to support the fast-growing businesses in Asia. The expanded center will further complement Air Products’ regional technology centers in Japan, Korea and Taiwan.

The expansion, built on space adjoining the current facility, has a high bay which is equipped with two high-pressure polyurethane machines and accessory tools for both rigid and flexible applications that supplement the existing shoe sole capability. Two spray booths, aqueous and non-aqueous, will be used for spray coating development. The new space also features a general-purpose lab with additional fume hoods, expanded chemicals storage areas and associated office space to provide new application and product development, technical services, process R&D and in-region analytical to support all businesses including Gases, Performance Materials and Electronics.

The expansion of the China Technology Center will enable Air Products to enhance its capabilities and material solution offerings, and bring support closer to its key customers in Asia, particularly in sectors such as polyurethane, coatings, inks, adhesives, civil engineering, personal care, cleaning, mining, oil field and other industries. These markets are growing at over 10 percent a year, and growth is expected to accelerate as China continues to develop as a global manufacturing center.

“This latest step in strengthening our technology capabilities will support our fast-growing businesses in China and across the Asia region,”said Wilbur Mok, Air Products’ Asia President. “Our new investment in China will bring us closer to our customers throughout the region, and increase the speed by which we create innovative solutions and value-added offerings that address the specific requirements of local markets.”

Bobby Chen, Air Products’ Asia Technology Director, said the expansion in Shanghai underscores Air Products’ commitment to driving growth through innovation. “Our Asian Technology Centers are fully integrated into our global technology network,” he said. “They complement and support one another, with each center having specific market focus in serving customers by leveraging the company’s strength in material and surface sciences, analytical technology, application and engineering excellence.”

The company has also recently upgraded its Electronics technology capabilities in Korea and Taiwan, and Performance Materials technology capabilities in Japan. The Electronics and Performance Materials business is one of Air Products’ four global business divisions.

Air Products (NYSE:APD) serves customers in industrial, energy, technology and healthcare markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, and equipment and services. Founded in 1940, Air Products has built leading positions in key growth markets such as semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, home healthcare services, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives. The company is recognized for its innovative culture, operational excellence and commitment to safety and the environment and is listed in the Dow Jones Sustainability and FTSE4Good Indices. The company has annual revenues of $9 billion, operations in over 40 countries, and over 20,000 employees around the globe. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.

NOTE: This release may contain forward-looking statements. Actual results could vary materially, due to changes in current expectations.

Air Products Strengthens Nanoparticle Dispersion Focus through Joint Venture Technology Acquisition

Tue, 04 Apr 2006 00:00:00 -0400

Air Products (NYSE: APD) today announced that it has consolidated its efforts to commercialize its nanotechnology offerings and strengthen its strategy around the sale of nanoparticle dispersions through a technology acquisition from its Nanogate Advanced Materials GmbH (NAM) joint venture (JV). Air Products purchased NAM's nanoparticle dispersion production, and related dispersion technologies and assets located in Saarbrücken, Germany. Air Products' initial nanoparticle dispersion offerings include zinc oxide, silver, and indium and antimony tin oxides in a variety of organic, aqueous, and 100 percent solids systems.

"We are focused on developing and marketing the high value-added step of integrating nanomaterials into end-user systems by leveraging our unique dispersion technology and related integration know-how. Our company has a wealth of experience when it comes to formulations and surface science. This experience will help us to provide specific nanoparticle dispersions to bring unique value to customer systems," said Larry Thomas, business director, Advanced Materials at Air Products.

The process of making nanoparticle dispersions compatible with the systems they are being incorporated into is a critical requirement to gain the maximum benefit from the use of nanoparticles in many applications, including several markets for formulated systems such as coatings, adhesives, inks, and composites that Air Products currently serves. Air Products has been working with a broad range of nanomaterial producers and formulators to advance these application opportunities. In addition to a facility in Germany, Air Products also has nanoparticle dispersion production capabilities in the United States.

Air Products and Nanogate Technologies GmbH, one of the leading chemical nanotechnology companies in Europe, originally announced the JV formation in May 2004. The Nanogate Advanced Materials JV will focus its on-going work on advanced display technologies as well as security applications.

Air Products' Advanced Materials area was formed in 2002 and is part of its Performance Materials business platform. Air Products defines "performance materials" as having exceptional physical properties that create a significant change in the economics or performance of a customer's process or products.

Air Products (NYSE:APD) serves customers in technology, energy, healthcare and industrial markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of products, services and solutions, providing atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials and chemical intermediates. Founded in 1940, Air Products has built leading positions in key growth markets such as semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, home healthcare services, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives. The company is recognized for its innovative culture, operational excellence and commitment to safety and the environment and is listed in the Dow Jones Sustainability and FTSE4Good Indices. The company has annual revenues of $8.1 billion, operations in over 30 countries,and over 20,000 employees around the globe. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.

NOTE: This release may contain forward-looking statements. Actual results could vary materially, due to changes in current expectations.

Air Products Präsentiert Neue Produkte Auf Der European Coatings Show 2005

Mon, 18 Apr 2005 00:00:00 -0400

Air Products wird auf der European Coatings Show (ECS) Neuheiten im Bereich der Tenside, Epoxidhärter und Polymeren vorstellen. Die ECS findet vom 26. bis 28. April in Nürnberg statt und ist die Leitmesse für die internationale Lack- und Farbenindustrie.

Die Performance Solutions Group von Air Products wird mit EnviroGem AD01 und Dynol™ 607 vertreten sein. Das EnviroGem AD01-Tensid überzeugt durch rasche Entschäumung, erstklassige Schaumkontrolle und exzellente Benetzung. Das flüssige Netzmittel basiert auf der Gemini-Tensidtechnologie und enthält weder VOC noch APEO oder HAPs. Dynol™ 607 ist ein schaumarmes, nicht-ionisches Netzmittel speziell für wasserbasierte High-Performance-Produkte wie Lacke und Klebstoffe. Es verfügt über eine Kombination exzellenter Produkteigenschaften, und hebt sich dadurch von den gängigen Fluor- oder Silikontensiden ab. Somit ist Dynol™ 607 eine echte Alternative für schwer zu benetzende Trägermaterialien, die eine hohe Fliess- und Verlaufsqualität erfordern.

Weitere Neuheiten in der Air-Products-Produktpalette sind Anquawhite100 und Anquamine 287. Anquawhite 100 ist das erste Produkt einer neuen Generation von wasserbasierten Epoxidhärtern, das sowohl in flüssigen als auch in festen Epoxidharzdispersionen verwendet werden kann. Es trocknet äußerst schnell und besitzt zugleich eine sehr lange Topfzeit. Die außerordentlich niedrige Viskosität bietet den Farbherstellern Vorteile bei der Mischung und Handhabung des Produkts. Der Endverbraucher profitiert von den verbesserten Streicheigenschaften. Anquawhite 100 liefert auch in dicken Farbschichten eine ausgezeichnete Transparenz und eignet sich wegen seiner Vergilbungsbeständigkeit sehr gut für dekorative Fussbodenfarben. Anquamine 287 kann als Grundanstrich für Frischbeton verwendet werden. Der Epoxidhärter überzeugt gleichermaßen durch hohe Wirksamkeit und Umweltfreundlichkeit.

Air Products Polymers wird auf der ECS Neuheiten aus der Airflex-Linie präsentieren. Mit den auf Vinylacetat-Ethylen (VAE) basierenden Airflex-Dispersionen bietet Air Products innovative und wegweisende Produkte für die Herstellung umweltfreundlicher Farben an. Die Produkte zeichnen sich durch hohe Bindekraft, geringe Geruchsbelastung und optimale Balance zwischen Haftfähigkeit und Beständigkeit aus und haben Air Products zu einem führenden Zulieferer im Bereich der Wand- und Gebäudefarben gemacht. Mit den Airflex-Dispersionen sind Farbhersteller in der Lage, umweltgerechte und qualitativ hochwertige lösungsmittelfreie Farben und Lacke zu formulieren.

Gemini Technology Forms Basis for Air Products' Surfynol® MD-20 & Surfynol® MD-30 Molecular Defoamer Products

Thu, 28 Oct 2004 00:00:00 -0400

Two molecular defoaming products based on Gemini surfactant technology developed by Air Products (NYSE: APD) for use in a broad array of applications are providing formulators with the way to achieve a flat, smooth, defect free coating. Surfynol^® MD-20 and Surfynol^® MD-30 defoaming agents together present formulators with an answer to the challenges presented by microfoam and macrofoam in their finished product. These two Surfynol defoamer products are being featured by Air Products this week at the International Coatings Expo being held October 27-29 at McCormick Place North in Chicago, Ill.

"In the formulation process microfoam entrained in the system, and the macrofoam appearing on the surface, can create craters, pin hole or fish-eye defects in a surface coating," said Mark Sutovich, marketing manager–Graphic Arts for Air Products. "Foam presents unique challenges and undesirable coating defects if not addressed in the formulation stage. MD-20 and MD-30 work in tandem to knockdown and knockout both micro and macrofoam. There are definite synergies between these two products which are attractive to the customer."

Specifically, Surfynol MD-20 defoamer combats microfoam, while Surfynol MD-30 defoamer's expertise is addressing macrofoam. The two products are molecular defoamers that are surface active and break foam at the molecular level by attacking the different mechanisms of foam stabilization. Both Surfynol MD-20 and MD-30 defoamers are silicone and hydrophobic silica free.

"Conventional defoamers utilize incompatibility to attempt to control foam, but this creates surface issues and sets the stage for a coating with defects. It creates a cycle where formulators must add other surface active components to eliminate the surface defects created by conventional defoamers. Molecular defoamers like MD-20 and MD-30 utilize surface activity at a molecular level to allow for defect free foam control. They allow formulators to reduce overall additive levels and break that cycle by working in a complimentary fashion," said Sutovich.

Surfynol MD-20 and MD-30 defoamers are multi-functional products that have other performance attributes beyond just knockdown foam control. The pair, both in clear liquid form, exhibit high marks in other important areas such as defoamer longevity, wetting defect reduction, ease of handling, and also have wide compounding latitude.

These multifunctional defoamers have a long list of potential waterborne system applications. These many uses include: coatings for automotive, OEM and DIY wood, industrial maintenance, metal and paper, and architectural coatings; graphic arts for printing inks, overprint varnishes and fountain solutions; adhesives, dye and pigment synthesis, pigment grinding, oil and gas processing, cleaning products, semiconductor cleaning and processing, metalworking fluids, cements, mortars and grouts, and personal care.

More information on this unique product is available via the worldwide web by visiting www.airproducts.com/surfynol. For samples, please contact Air Products' Product Information Center at 800-345-3148 (outside the U.S. and Canada 610-481-6799); fax 610-481-4381; or e-mail prodinfo@airproducts.com.

About Air Products
Air Products (NYSE:APD) serves customers in technology, energy, healthcare and industrial markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of products, services and solutions, providing atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials and chemical intermediates. Founded in 1940, Air Products has built leading positions in key growth markets such as semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, home healthcare services, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives. The company is recognized for its innovative culture, operational excellence and commitment to safety and the environment and is listed in the Dow Jones Sustainability and FTSE4Good Indices. The company has annual revenues of $7.4 billion, operations in over 30 countries, and nearly 20,000 employees around the globe. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.

***NOTE: This release may contain forward-looking statements. Actual results could vary materially, due to changes in current expectations.

Air Products Announces Price Increases for All Epoxy Product Lines

Wed, 20 Oct 2004 00:00:00 -0400

Air Products today announced that, effective November 1, 2004, it will implement a price increase on its epoxy hardener product lines sold into the European region. This increase, ranging from 4-8% for the hardeners, 6% for the phenolics and 12% for the aromatics/sundries, is necessary to offset the rapid escalating costs for energy, petrochemical based raw materials, and drums used in conjunction with the production and delivery of these products.

Air Products Announces Price Increases for All Epoxy Product Lines

Fri, 15 Oct 2004 00:00:00 -0400

Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (NYSE: APD) today announced that, effective November 1, 2004, it will implement a four percent price increase on all epoxy product lines sold into the North American region. This increase, approximately 5 to 12 cents per pound depending on the product line, is necessary to offset escalating costs for energy, petrochemical based raw materials, and drums used in conjunction with the production and delivery of these products.

***NOTE: This release may contain forward-looking statements. Actual results could vary materially, due to changes in current expectations.

Air Products Japan Completes Integration with Sanwa Chemical to Serve Fast-Growing Asian Chemicals Market

Tue, 03 Aug 2004 00:00:00 -0400

Air Products (NYSE: APD) today announced that Air Products Japan Inc., its wholly owned subsidiary in Japan, has completed the business integration with Sanwa Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., acquired in April 2003. Sanwa Chemical is a leading Asian producer of specialty polyamide resins and epoxy curing agents with operations in Japan and Singapore. Together with Air Products' own market-leading portfolio of complementary products, the combined offerings of the two companies represent the broadest range of solutions to customer challenges in high performance coatings for steel andconcrete, printing ink resins, and hot-melt adhesives.

"The Sanwa acquisition is part of Air Products' long-term commitment to the fast-growing Asia region. Since the acquisition, we have been focused on achieving full integration to improve business efficiency, value and service to our customers. Now, with all the Sanwa entities in Japan operating under the name of Air Products, we are strategically positioned for further growth," said Tetsushi Kuse, president of Air Products Japan.

With its continued expansion in Japan, Air Products has used this opportunity to relocate several operations into a single, new head office based in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Air Products has further invested in a new Asian Chemicals Regional Technology Center in Kanagawa Science Park focusing on applications and new product development, technical service and process support.

Air Products, with Asia sales of approximately US$1.1 billion, has regional headquarters in Singapore, with Chemicals Group headquarters in Hong Kong. The company is a leading supplier of specialty amines, polyurethane catalysts and surfactants, specialty additives for waterborne inks and coatings, polyurethane intermediates and VAE emulsion polymers.

Air Products (NYSE:APD) serves customers in technology, energy, healthcare and industrial markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of products, services and solutions, providing atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials and chemical intermediates. Founded in 1940, Air Products has built leading positions in key growth markets such as semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, home healthcare services, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives. The company is recognized for its innovative culture, operational excellence and commitment to safety and the environment. With annual revenues of $6.3 billion and operations in over 30 countries, the company's 18,500 employees build lasting relationships with their customers and communities based on understanding, integrity and passion. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.

***NOTE: This release may contain forward-looking statements. Actual results could vary materially, due to changes in current expectations.

Air Products Announces Price Increase for Several Epoxy Curing Agents

Thu, 01 Jul 2004 00:00:00 -0400

Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (NYSE:APD) announced today that effective August 1, 2004 it will implement, in North America, a two percent (2%) price increase for Ancamide®, Ancamine®, Anquamine®and Anquamide®epoxy curing agents. Air Products will also increase by two percent the prices for Epodil®reactive diluents, Nourybond®adhesion promoters and Hybridur®resin dispersions. The increases are all being implemented to offset higher costs for energy, raw materials, drums and transportation associated with the production and delivery of these products.

***NOTE: This release may contain forward-looking statements. Actual results could vary materially, due to changes in current expectations.

Air Products and Tomah3 Products Form a Commercial and Product Development Relationship

Tue, 30 Mar 2004 00:00:00 -0400

Air Products (NYSE:APD) and Tomah3 Products, Inc. announced today the formation of a commercial and product development relationship intended to leverage each company's expertise, products and technology to better serve customers in the industrial and institutional cleaning, and the coatings, inks and adhesives industries. The companies hope to provide improved access to complementary technologies, leading to the continued development of unique solutions to industry and customer needs in these niche applications.

Air Products brings to the relationship proven surface science solutions and a global presence in the coatings, inks and adhesives industries, and will benefit from Tomah's established alcohol ethoxylates product base. Tomah's presence in institutional and industrial cleaning applications in North and South America likewise will benefit from Air Products' surfactant product capabilities. Air Products will continue technological research and development, marketing and sales and customer service for the coatings, inks and adhesives segments, and will assist Tomah with technology development for institutional and industrial cleaning applications. Tomah, based in Milton, WI, will continue to handle all marketing and sales and customer service for institutional and industrial cleaning customers.

"We think the ability to combine our surface science research and development capabilities and Tomah's synthetic product technologies will result in new environmentally-friendly products for the variety of applications served," said Ken Rizzi, business development manager, Performance Solutions at Air Products. "Additionally, in each segment, the customers will continue to have contact with already established suppliers with proven performance history. Other than enhanced product options, the relationship will be transparent to the respective customers."

According to Tobin Ryan, vice president, Corporate Development at Tomah, "By combining Air Products' unique acetylenic technology with our alkoxylate and ether amine capabilities, Tomah will enhance its solution base in serving its customers and the institutional and industrial cleaning industry."

Air Products has been serving the coatings, inks and adhesives industries for over 30 years by providing unique multi-functional additives that provide dynamic wetting and foam control properties. Since 1970, Tomah has developed and supplied cleaning products for several markets including metal working, parts, transportation, food preparation, janitorial, health care, and other related institutional cleaning applications.

About Air Products
Air Products serves customers in technology, energy, healthcare and industrial markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of products, services and solutions, providing atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials and chemical intermediates. Founded in 1940, Air Products has built leading positions in key growth markets such as semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, home healthcare services, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives. The company is recognized for its innovative culture, operational excellence and commitment to safety and the environment. With annual revenues of $6.3 billion and operations in over 30 countries, the company's 18,500 employees build lasting relationships with their customers and communities based on understanding, integrity and passion. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.

About Tomah3 Products
Tomah, a privately owned and independent company, is a leading producer of cationic and nonionic surfactants specializing in ether amines, derivatives, and alkoxylates. Founded in 1967, Tomah's products are sold directly and through a broad network of distributors worldwide. Primary markets include institutional and industrial cleaners, fuel and lubricant additives, agricultural adjuvants, ore flotation, clay modification, pulp and paper, and oil field chemicals. Tomah also excels at custom manufacturing and in jointly developing, with key customers, products designed to meet a specific need. Due to unique manufacturing capabilities, rapid response times and technical expertise, Tomah is an excellent partner for long-term supply arrangements. The company is driven by a culture of quality and innovation and a commitment to safety, health and the environment. Tomah is the recipient of Wisconsin's Manufacturer of the Year Award for its corporate leadership in environmental consciousness. More information can be found at www.tomah3.com.

NOTE: This release may contain forward-looking statements. Actual results could vary materially, due to changes in current expectations.

Tomah Contact:
Rowand Robinson
Tel: (608) 868-6811
E-mail: rrobinson@tomah3.com

Air Products Donates Vinyl Acetate Monomer Technology to University of California, Davis

Thu, 15 Jan 2004 00:00:00 -0500

Air Products (NYSE:APD) has donated a technology portfolio to the University of California, Davis, consisting of U.S. and foreign patents involving processes and catalytic materials for producing vinyl acetate monomer (VAM). VAM is a key raw material in the production of emulsion polymers and polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), which are used in a variety of applications including adhesives, building products, ceramics, textiles, coatings and paper products.

Air Products was a producer of PVOH for nearly 30 years. However, for strategic purposes, the company divested its PVOH business to Celanese AG in September 2000. Air Products remains active in the production of emulsion polymers and downstream products through its two joint ventures with Wacker-Chemie GmbH.

As a major purchaser of VAM for these products, Air Products has endeavored to find an alternative, low-cost production method for this key raw material. Air Products researchers were successful in developing the contributed VAM technology, which represents a new process whereby dimethyl ether is reacted with carbon monoxide-rich syngas in the presence of recycle streams to produce ethylidene diacetate (EDA) and acetic acid.

Initial tests indicated that the Air Products' method, with appropriate catalysis development, could be significantly less expensive than the conventional VAM technology. With its continued interest in improved routes to this key feedstock, the company began searching for a university on which to confer its technology and identified the University of California, Davis due to its expertise in catalysis.

"We are pleased that the stewardship of the VAM technology donation is in the very able hands of UC Davis," said John C. Tao, corporate director, Technology Partnerships at Air Products. "This institution has the enviable combination of a globally recognized center for heterogeneous catalysis research in Professor Bruce Gates' laboratories of the Chemical Engineering and Material Science Department, combined with the proactive and successful Technology Transfer Center at Davis."

"This generous donation reflects both UC Davis' standing as a major research university and the contributions Bruce Gates has made in this area over the past three decades. Equipped with these patents, Professor Gates and his students will now be able to pick up this technology and run with it. We're very pleased to have Air Products as a partner in research and teaching in this way," said Barry Klein, Vice Chancellor for Research at UC Davis.

This donation extends Air Products' partnership with UC Davis, which includes an association with the university's Institute of Transportation Studies (ITS-Davis). The institute recently dedicated a new Air Products hydrogen fueling station on campus as part of its research and demonstration programs on transportation technology. Click here for more information.

Air Products (NYSE:APD) serves customers in technology, energy, healthcare and industrial markets worldwide with a unique portfolio of products, services and solutions, providing atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials and chemical intermediates. Founded in 1940, Air Products has built leading positions in key growth markets such as semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, home healthcare services, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives. The company is recognized for its innovative culture, operational excellence and commitment to safety and the environment. With annual revenues of $6.3 billion and operations in over 30 countries, the company's 18,500 employees build lasting relationships with their customers and communities based on understanding, integrity and passion. For more information, visit www.airproducts.com.

Founded in 1908, UC Davis is the largest of the 10 University of California campuses in the area, second in budget and third in enrollment. It ranks 15th among the nation's public and private universities in overall research funding, according to the National Science Foundation. The university includes the Colleges of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Engineering, and Letters and Science; the Division of Biological Sciences; and Schools of Education, Law, Management, Medicine and Veterinary Medicine. For more information, see www.ucdavis.edu.

NOTE: This release may contain forward-looking statements. Actual results could vary materially, due to changes in current expectations.

University of California, Davis Contact:
Andy Fell
Tel: (530) 752-4533
E-mail: ahfell@ucdavis.edu