Posted on Tue, Feb 07, 2012
Aal Chem is excited to announce that we will be an exhibitor at the 2012 American Coatings Show in Indianapolis, Indiana. We will be co-exhibiting with our main epoxy resin supplier, (and the 3rd largest in the world!) Kukdo Chemical.
As deadlines are approaching fast with the show just a few months away, (May 8-10, 2012) we are busy preparing the final details of our booth. As a first time exhibitor, we wanted our booth to be unique and memorable among those big names - BASF, Huntsman, and DOW Chemical to name a few.
And a memorable one it will be! Aal Chem/Kukdo's booth incorporates the display of a car - a customized 1969 Chevrolet Camaro. The exterior was built using materials from our suppliers and will help our booth be the focal point of the show.
The folks over at the AC Show caught the buzz about our booth design and featured Aal Chem in their American Coatings Show 2012 Preview booklet. Take a look at Aal Chem in this editorial featuring our president, Kaz Darehshori.
American Coatings Show Preview 2012
Be sure to mark your calendars for May 8-10, 2012 to visit Indianapolis, IN, USA to see Aal Chem and Kukdo Chemical together, as well as the best in the coatings industry.
Look for us near the main entrance, booth# 601!
For more information on the AC Coatings Show American Coatings Show 2012.
Posted on Tue, Jan 17, 2012
Aal Chem will be selling overstocked material from our Grand Rapids, Michigan warehouse. While supplies last, we will be selling products such as antioxidants, UV absorbers, epoxy resins, bead polymers, etc. at a reduced rate. Data sheets and samples are available upon request, please visit our Request Literature page for more information.
PRODUCT LIST:
AAL CHEM PRIVATE LABEL:
Aal Chem 168, Antioxidant; cartons @ 110.23 lbs
3V CHEMICAL:
Uvasorb 3C, UV Absorber; bags @ 88 lbs
BERGESS PIGMENT:
Pigment #10, Burgess Clay #10; bags @ 50 lbs
CLARIANT:
CL 20,000, Cross-Linked Polyethylene Glycol; bags @ 44 lbs
ETERNAL:
611B-85, Aliphatic Urethane Acrylate; drums @ 440.92 lbs
648-1, Acrylated Carboxylic Acid Terminated; cartons @ 44.09 lbs
EM2191, ODA; drums @ 374.79 lbs
EM3260, Ethoxylated Bisphenol; drums @ 440.92 lbs
6112-100, Aliphatic Urethane Diacrylate; drums @ 440.92 lbs
6210G, Epoxy Acrylate Oligomer; drums @ 440.92 lbs
KUKDO:
KSR 176x90, Epoxy Resin; drum @ 440.92 lbs
YDPN 638A80, Goodmide Resin Solution; drums @ 440.92 lbs
G-5022, Goodmide Polyamide Resin - Epoxy Hardener; drums @ 396.83 lbs
KD-213C, Sold Epoxy Resin; bags @ 55.12 lbs
KR-102, Rubber Modified Epoxy; bags @ 55.12 lbs
LONGCHEM:
Longnox AO68, Antioxidant; bags @ 44.09 lbs
Lonsorb BP-3, UV Absorber; cartons @ 110.23 lbs
ORGANIK KIMYA:
HT 465, Opaque Polymer; drums @ 495.90 lbs
POLYSTAR:
Aalcure 191, Polyamido Amine; drums @ 420 lbs
Aalcure 315, Curing Agent; drums @ 420 lbs
RANBAR:
4070-M-70-HV, Long Oil Alkyd; drums @ 415 lbs
RUNKE:
RB3329, Matting Agent; bags @ 44.09 lbs
TONGCHEM:
1400EZ, Red Iron Oxide Pigments; bags @ 55.12 lbs
Data sheets and samples are available upon request, please visit our Request Literature page for more information.
Posted on Mon, Nov 21, 2011
Since feedstock prices are on the rise, the chemical industry is seeking new or more freely available sources as building blocks for chemicals. A feedstock or raw material is the basic material from which a product is
manufactured or made. Why have prices skyrocketed in the past few years? Increasingly volatile oil prices have had a direct effect on raw material costs worldwide. When the price of a barrel of crude oil dramatically increases coupled by supply shortages, it impacts everyone. Gas, crude oil and aromatics are the building blocks for so many chemicals—including polyurethane foam, toluene di-isocyanate (TDI), methyl di-p-phenylene isocyanate (MDI) and polyols.
Isocyanates: Uses and Price Projections
Isocyanates are a family of highly reactive, low molecular weight chemicals. They are widely used in the manufacture of polyurethane foams, spandex fibers, coatings such as paints and varnishes and thermoplastic elastomers. Isocyanates are increasingly used in the automobile industry, auto-body repair, and building insulation materials. Spray-on polyurethane products containing isocyanates have been developed for a wide range of retail, commercial, and industrial uses to protect cement, wood, fiberglass, steel and aluminum: including protective coatings for truck beds, trailers, boats, foundations, and decks.
According to an ICIS news article, U.S. producers have aggressively pushed polyols and isocyanates price hikes and expect further price increases in the future as surging feedstock values continue to squeeze margins. "Feedstock costs have exerted tremendous pressure on margins," a producer said. "No producer is in a position to absorb these costs."
Producers nominated price increases of around 8 cents/lb. ($176/ton, €121/ton) previously in an effort to ease squeezed margins, but faced fierce resistance from buyers who said demand was too weak. "With benzene even stronger, suppliers are pushing harder for increases," a buyer said. Producers cited higher feedstock values and energy volatility as drivers for proposed price increases.
Methyl-di-p-phenylene Isocyanate (MDI)
Methyl di-p-phenylene isocyanate (MDI) is consumed mainly in polyurethane foams. Rigid foams, the largest outlet for MDI, are used mostly in construction, refrigeration, packaging and insulation. MDI is also used to make binders, elastomers, adhesives, sealants, coatings and fibers. The largest rigid foam outlet for MDI has been in construction use, consuming about 60% of the MDI used in rigid foams in recent years. Major applications are for board and laminate insulation and foam roofing for both residential and commercial construction. Polyurethane foams are employed as insulation in appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, walk-in coolers, vending machines and water heaters.
The MDI market is growing, especially in developing economies. The strongest growth has been in China with growth rates up to 15%/year. Much of this demand is being driven by a boom in the automobile and construction sectors. Automotive sales in China surpassed 10 million vehicles in 2009 with sales up by 38% compared to the previous year, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. The U.S. market had also experienced growth—the U.S. transportation industry accounts for nearly 22% of total consumption of polyurethanes, according to the American Chemistry Council.
Polyurethane- the All-Encompassing Global Material?
Polyurethane is an incredibly resilient, flexible, and durable manufactured material. It can take the place of paint, cotton, rubber, metal, and wood in thousands of applications across all fields. Polyurethane can be hard, like fiberglass, squishy like upholstery foam, protective like varnish, bouncy like rubber wheels, or sticky like glue. Since its invention in the 40s, polyurethane has been used in everything from toys to airplane wings, and continues to be adapted for contemporary technology.
Polyurethane is a substance categorized as a polymer based on its chemical structure. Polyurethane products include chemicals, polyurethane foam, insulation materials, surface coatings, car seats, furniture, foam mattresses, under-carpet padding, packaging materials, shoes, laminated fabrics, polyurethane rubber, and adhesives.
Monomer & Oligomer Price Hikes
Oligomers (often used in ink production) and acrylate and methacrylate monomers have also experienced a price hike in recent years. Price increases ranged from 6 cents to 25 cents per pound. Experts say the price adjustments were necessary due to the continued escalation in the cost of key raw materials. Monomers, oligomers and photo-initiators are used as base materials for ultraviolet- and electron beam (UV/EB)-cure coatings, adhesives, inks, electronics and other applications.
Contact Aal Chem for Wholesale Chemical Products
Aal Chem is a wholesale chemical distributor that services the paint & coatings, adhesives & sealants, graphic arts, plastics, electronics, construction products, and composites industries. Our suppliers produce a comprehensive selection of high-quality products. Aal Chem is committed to understanding the needs of our customers and providing cost-effective solutions. We can help you with information and quotes on wholesale chemicals. Contact Aal Chem today.
References:
http://www.icis.com/Articles/2011/01/06/9423606/future-chemical-feedstock-trends.html
Polyurethane: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-polyurethane.htm
MDI: http://www.icis.com/V2/chemicals/9076031/methylene-di-p-phenylene-isocyanate/uses.html
Posted on Mon, Oct 17, 2011
Epoxy, with its amazing range of applications, has been widely utilized since the 1950’s. Many books were written about epoxy resin and its uses in the 70’s, but since then, numerous changes have occurred in both its chemistry and applications. As of 2006, the epoxy industry amounts to more than $5 billion in North America and about $15 billion worldwide. Today, epoxy users have become more sophisticated and expect more from the products for which they spend their money.
What Exactly is Epoxy Resin?
- Epoxy is a thermosetting polymer formed from the reaction of an epoxide "resin" with polyamine "hardener." Epoxy is used in a myriad of applications, including fiber-reinforced plastic materials and general purpose adhesives. [Thermosetting resin is a material that hardens when heated and cannot be remolded; does not soften when reheated.]
- Epoxy Resins, are a group of synthetic resins commonly used to make plastics and adhesives. They are noted for their high-resistance to chemicals and heat, outstanding adhesion, durability and toughness- which is why they’re valuable as coatings.
Ideal Applications for Epoxy Resin:
- Primers for cars- protects metal from rusting.
- Paint for automotive and marine uses
- Adhesives and glues:
- Used across industries for its strong bonding properties (i.e. automobile, aircraft, road & bridge surfacing, concrete bonding, flooring)
- Bonds permanently to wood, fiberglass, metal, concrete, glass and plastics
- Strong enough to use in place of rivets & welds in industrial applications
- Used in some dental bonding agents
- Protective surface coatings- provide a hard durable and rustproof surface
- Window sills, concrete floors, stair treads, shower stalls, down spouts
- Packaging coatings, can & coil coatings, UV curable coatings, corrosion-resistant composites
- Steel pipes, drain pipes (metal or plastic), pools, roofs, boats, decks & auto bodies
- PVC production- Many vinyl, plastic and PVC products contain epoxy resins (i.e. eyeglass frames, vinyl gloves, handbags)
- Electrical insulation materials to prevent conduction of electricity
- Enclosing transformers, condensers, printed electrical circuit boards and other electrical components
Epoxy is Fundamental in the Following Industries:
Functions of epoxy-based materials are extensive across many industries—the resin is utilized in putties, glues, paints, ad infinitum. Many properties of epoxies can be modified (for example silver-filled epoxies crafted for good electrical conductivity).
1. Paints and coatings
Two-part epoxy coatings were developed for heavy-duty employment on metal substrates and use less energy than heat-cured powder coatings. They dry quickly providing a tough, protective coating with remarkable solidity. Their low volatility and water clean- up makes them ideal for factory cast iron, cast steel and cast aluminum. They are usually used in industrial and automotive applications since they are more heat resistant than latex-based and alkyd-based paints.
Polyester epoxies are used as powder coatings for washers, driers and other major household appliances. Fusion bonded
epoxy powder coating (FBE) is abundantly used for corrosion protection of steel pipes and fittings used in the oil and gas industry and water transmission pipelines (steel). Epoxy coatings are used as primers to improve the adhesion of automotive and marine paints.
2. Adhesives
Epoxy adhesives are part of the class called "structural adhesives." This includes polyurethane, acrylic and
epoxy acrylate oligomer. These high-performance adhesives are used in the construction of aircraft, automobiles, bicycles, boats, golf clubs, skis, snowboards, and where high-strength bonds are required. Epoxy adhesives can be developed to suit almost any function. They can be used as adhesives for wood, metal, glass, stone, and some plastics. They are more heat and chemical resistant than other common adhesives. Some epoxies are cured by exposure to ultraviolet light. They are then used in optics, fiber optics and dentistry.
3. Industrial tooling and composites
Epoxy systems are used in industrial tooling to produce molds, master models, laminates, castings and fixtures. Epoxies are pivotal for producing fiber-reinforced or composite parts. Many times, they’re even strong enough to be utilized in place of rivets and welds. This plastic tooling replaces metal, wood and other traditional materials. Manufacturers appreciate the fact that epoxy systems lower the overall cost or shorten the lead-time for many industrial processes. They are more expensive than polyester resins and vinyl ester resins, but usually produce stronger and more temperature-resistant composite parts.
4. Electrical systems and electronics
Epoxy resin formulations are important in the electronics industry. They are employed in motors, generators, transformers, switchgear, bushings, and insulators. Because it is an excellent electrical insulator and protects electrical components from short circuiting, epoxy resin is the go-to material to prevent conduction of electricity.
Brominated epoxy resins are the primary resins used to make reinforced plastic laminates for printed electrical circuit boards. Their bromine content gives these epoxies improved resistance to ignition. Epoxy resin is also used in overmolding, integrated circuits, transistors and hybrid circuits.
5. Consumer and marine applications
Epoxies are sold in hardware stores, typically as a pack containing separate resin and hardener, which must be mixed immediately before use. They are also sold in boat shops as repair resins for marine applications. Epoxies typically are not used in the outer layer of a boat because they deteriorate by exposure to UV light. They are often used during boat repair and assembly, and then over-coated with conventional polyurethane paint or marine-varnishes that provide UV protection.
Epoxies are used for commercial manufacture of components where a high strength/weight ratio is required. Their strength, gap filling properties and excellent adhesion to many materials (including timber,) have created a boom in amateur building projects such as boats.
6. Aerospace applications
In the aerospace industry, epoxy is used as a structural matrix material which is then reinforced by fiber. The matrix is an aircraft manufacturer's dream come true—a lightweight composite material that you simply apply resins to and lay into a mold. This process automatically produces a lightweight body with a triple skin that has continuous internal ribs and provides superior strength. Epoxies are also used as structural glue. Materials like wood and others that are 'low-tech' are glued with epoxy resin.
Contact Aal Chem for Wholesale Epoxy Resin Products
Aal Chem is a wholesale chemical distributor that services the paint & coatings, adhesives & sealants, graphic arts, plastics, electronics, construction products, and composites industries. Our suppliers produce high-quality consistent products. Aal Chem is committed to understanding the needs of our customers and finding proven, reliable solutions. We can help you with information and quotes on wholesale epoxy resin products.
Contact Aal Chem today!
Posted on Fri, Mar 25, 2011
“Aal Chem was in the right place at the right time, and in a sound financial position to en able it to snag a real estate deal that will provide room to grow as business picks up.”
Click here to download the full article (PDF) >