Publications

Citation

(2011), "Publications", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 40 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/prt.2011.12940daa.016

Publications

Article Type: Conferences, training and publications From: Pigment & Resin Technology, Volume 40, Issue 4

New download on Malvern web site offers laser diffraction method development guidance

Recently published and now available for download on the Malvern Instruments web site, “Method development for laser diffraction particle size analysis” by diffraction specialist Dr Anne Virden provides practical guidance on developing robust analytical methods. Her article describes the process with reference to ISO13320 (2009), the international standard for laser diffraction particle size analysis, and other guidance documents. Successful method development depends on rigorous and systematic examination of all the factors known to influence results, including sampling, dispersion/sample prep and measurement conditions. “Method development for laser diffraction particle size analysis” considers each of these issues in turn, helping answer questions such as: whether to measure wet or dry; what dispersant to use; are the dispersion conditions breaking the particles of interest; and how to check the developed method is a good one. Over the last decade, considerable progress has been made in the area of method development, by Malvern and others. The latest version of ISO13320 reflects this and includes a substantial amount of advice. At Malvern, a major focus is to grow and disseminate the information available, through education and software, such that laser diffraction can be used successfully for an ever increasing variety of applications. Read Anne Virden’s paper at: http://bit.ly/MALmethoddev

Easing the transition into profitable manufacture

Malvern Instruments latest INFORM White Paper – “The benefits of real-time analysis for process development” – presents the case for investing in real-time process measurement at the pilot studies stage, and is now available for free download from the company’s web site at: www.malvern.com/realtime

While much effort is expended in optimizing commercially operating plant, getting the process “right first time” can be far more efficient. Real-time analysis of process parameters provides substantial support during development, streamlining and accelerating the evolution of successful process designs.

Taking on-line particle size analysis as an example, this paper considers the rationale for investing in real-time measurement for pilot-scale work. Case studies are used to illustrate the various ways in which on-line systems promote efficient process development, easing the transition into profitable manufacturing.

Download a copy at: www.malvern.com/realtime

What holds the world together: Ceresana analyzes the adhesive market

They secure tiny electronic components as well as huge wind turbines. They hold both car bodies and trains together. Modern adhesives almost do wonders. “Adhesive bonding has become a key technology in many industrial sectors,” says Oliver Kutsch, CEO of Ceresana Research. The market research institute has scrutinized the European adhesive market from top to bottom.

A real growth industry

Germany accounts for about 18.5 percent of all demand for adhesives in Europe, followed by France, Italy and the UK. However, the highest growth rates are seen in Russia, Poland and Turkey. Ceresana Research expects the European adhesives revenue will rise to €8.25 billion by 2017. In Western Europe, the demand for adhesives is especially growing in Germany, Finland and Sweden.

No house without adhesives

Paper, packaging and the construction industry are the most important fields of application. New constructions and publicly financed infrastructure projects play an essential role for the demand for adhesives in the construction industry. Owing to EU subsidies, this effect can be felt more clearly in Eastern than in Western Europe. An ongoing trend is the enhancement of energy efficiency and a reduction in the CO₂ emissions: Adhesives are increasingly needed for the renovation of buildings.

More environmentally friendly projects

Ceresana Research anticipates that the demand for adhesives in medical engineering and the automobile and electronics industry will see growth rates of 2.7-3.8 percent. Especially, manufacturers of acrylate adhesives, which are needed for cars and rail vehicles, are profiting from the industry’s good economic development. The same applies to epoxy resin adhesives that are additionally used in aircraft construction. Radiation curing adhesives are expected to record considerable growth in the electrical and electronics industry. In general, environmentally friendly adhesives are gaining importance.

Detailed market report

The practice-oriented study of Ceresana Research gives a concise overview of the different types of adhesives and offers an analysis of the adhesive market in 31 European countries. The report analyzes the most important fields of application individually, such as wood processing, the automotive industry, shoes and leather, but also technical textiles, sports articles, toys and medical applications. The useful index of manufacturers in Volume II provides 199 profiles of adhesive producers from 28 countries. The report, available in English or German, forecasts market opportunities and risks until 2017: www.ceresana.com/en/market-studies/industry/adhesives/

The propylene market recovers – new study by Ceresana Research

Propylene is one of the most important starting products in the petrochemical industry. The new study from Ceresana Research forecasts a dynamic development of the global demand for propylene, namely an increase of more than 20 million tons by 2017. “Sales of propylene reached their peak value of over US$90 billion in 2008“, reports Oliver Kutsch, the president of the market research institute. “This level will be surpassed as soon as in 2012.”

China overtakes the USA

An important factor, which will impact the global propylene market, is the massive capacity expansions for propylene and downstream products in the Middle East and China. Middle East countries exhibit the largest increases in propylene production and demand. Ceresana Research expects that supply and demand in these countries will have doubled by 2014. However, the Asia-Pacific region will continue to dominate the market and generate more than 45 percent of all demand. China is rising to become the greatest propylene consumer worldwide and will most likely edge out the USA to the second place in 2011.

Plastics made of propylene

The most important buyers of propylene include manufacturers of polypropylene who account for nearly two-thirds of all demand. Polypropylene is one of the best-selling plastics, second only to polyethylene. The largest consumer is the automobile industry. Polypropylene has a very wide range of applications and is, for example, also needed for the manufacturing of packaging films, bottle caps, fibre ropes as well as for bicycle helmets and nappies.

An important pre-product

The second largest propylene market consists of producers of acrylonitrile, followed by propylene oxide. The production of cumene accounts for about 5.5 percent of the global demand for propylene. Acrylonitrile is mainly used to produce acrylic fibers, which are processed into textiles. The derivatives of propylene oxide are needed as raw materials for the manufacturing of products like polyurethane, lacquers and adhesives, polyester resins, cooling agents, antifreeze and solvents. Cumene is mainly used to manufacture phenol and acetone, and is therefore also a pre-product for bisphenol A, phenol resins, caprolactam and methyl methacrylate.

Detailed investigation

The 777-page market study by Ceresana Research analyzes the world market for propylene: demand, production, imports, exports, revenues and prices are examined, including forecasts up to 2017. Particular emphasis is put on the 55 countries where propylene is produced. The thoroughly investigated applications areas include polypropylene, acrylonitrile, propylene oxide, cumene, isopropanol, acrylic acid, 2-ethylhexanol and n-butanol. The useful buyers guide lists 137 profiles of all large propylene manufacturers. The study is now available in English or German from Ceresana Research web site: www.ceresana.com/en/market-studies/chemicals/propylene/