Copies of back issues are available in limited numbers from: Crain Communications Ltd, New Garden House, 78 Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8JQ. Tel: +44 (0)171 457 1400; Fax: +44 (0)171 457 1440. - a unique source of information -
HIGHLIGHTS OF 1997 ISSUES
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April/May 1997
This issue of Urethanes Technology contains a major feature looking at the more positive environmental aspects of the polyurethanes business. In two segments, the feature examined the use of natural agricultural products such as rape seed oil and castor oil in making polyols; the second aspect addressed is the manufacture of timber substitutes using MDI (methylene diphenyl diisocyanate) binders with various waste products such as wheat straw and sugar cane bagasse.
Vol. 14, no. 2In addition, this issue highlights the latest news from around the global polyurethanes business, with reports from the UTECH Asia '97 conference and exhibition, and the first major announcement of the Polyurethanes World Congress '97, held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, September 29-October 1, 1997.
News items
3 Design challenge for PUs - called 'the best materials of the future' at a recent German PU foamers meeting;
Chem Trend buys Pura mould release line from Air Products;
Unilever to sell Unichema natural polyols unit in the Netherlands, and major adhesives supplier National Starch.
6 Industrial Foam Systems Ltd moves, sells natural-oil-to-polyols plant;
Profitable 1996, says BASF AG, announcing expansions;
Poor 1997 Q1 for ICI plc; British Vita plc achieves aims for 1996.
9 BTR plc sells Dunlopillo units to MBO in UK and Sumitomo Rubber Industries in Germany;
Gusmer buys Spanish machinery company Instapol;
Neste to invest in coatings intermediates.
10 Celotex calls for action on fire issue in UK rigid foam sector;
Kingspan to use 'Therma' brand for insulation products.
12 JPS Elastomerics Corp. expands in thermoplastic polyurethanes for roofing, membranes;
Conap expands facility.
13 UTI forced into liquidation, but assets may be purchased;
Urathon purchased by American Tire Corp.;
US regulators slash methylene chloride exposure limits to 25 ppm - but can foamers comply?
16 Plastomer goes for $4-million upgrade for gaskets, seals;
Rieter opens Argentinian plant to supply Fiat with automotive trim;
Arnco/Era sign marketing pact.
17 ICI/Dongsung may form joint venture for PU parts and systems for South Korean market;
ARCO may choose Ningbo site for Chinese polyether polyols production.
18 BASF changes partners for Chinese isocyanates unit;
SAI Automotive eyes 30% growth;
Tirupati Foam in Gujurat, India, spends $1.5 million to boost output.Features
20 Renewable raw materials are important in urethane chemistry: a look at natural-oil polyols and some of the firms making and supplying them.
25 MDI-based binders convert waste to valuable timber substitutes.Reviews & previews
29 The 1997 Polyurethanes World Congress in Amsterdam: the biggest conference and exhibition the polyurethanes industry has ever seen, say the organisers.
30 At a recent BRUFMA meeting, key issues for UK rigid foamers included fire safety and testing, third generation blowing agents, and harmonisation of testing and standards in Europe: UT editor David Reed sets the scene.
32 Reports from UTECH Asia '97, including details of the reorganisation of Witco Corp. following its takeover last year of OSi Specialties Inc.Departments
36 New materials, products, literature, equipment.
40 Diary of upcoming events; UT's latest raw materials pricing chart from ICIS-LOR; forthcoming features in Urethanes Technology; Advertisement index.
Copies of UT back issues are available, in limited numbers price £10.00 ($20.00) per copy, from: Crain Communications Ltd, New Garden House, 78 Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8JQ. Tel: +44 (0)171 457 1400; Fax: +44 (0)171 457 1440.Alternatively, you can contact us by eMail.
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