Methyl acrylate (MA) is the fourth most-used of the basic acrylic esters for production of acrylic and vinyl-acrylic resins, surpassed only by butyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate and 2-ethylhexylacrylate. As the lowest-molecular weight member of the homologous acrylic ester family, MA also finds uses as a starting material for the synthesis of other acrylates and derivatives ( these often involve transesterification reactions, or “Michael Additions” to the acrylic double-bond).
Vinyl acetate monomer (VAM) is a significant intermediate used in the production of a wide range of resins and polymers for paints & coatings, adhesives, glues & sealants, elastomers, textile finishes, paper coatings, binders, films, and a myriad of other industrial and consumer applications. It efficiently homo-polymerizes to polyvinyl acetate (PVA), and VAM can be used in numerous random copolymers and terpolymers such as ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, vinyl-acrylic resins, vinyl acetate-acrylic acid copolymers, and vinyl acetate-vinyl chloride copolymers. With the wide diversity of polymerization options, VAM has allowed the design of products with a wide spectrum of cost and performance profiles.
Polytetramethylene Ether Glycol (PTMEG) is the premier polyether polyol used worldwide in the manufacture of high-performance polyurethane elastomers. Known for its many performance attributes and advantages, PTMEG is used in a variety of applications, including polyurethane resins, prepolymers, coatings, adhesives, cast polyurethane resins, spandex fibers, and more.
Polyurethanes have long been known to produce coatings that exhibit high toughness, abrasion resistance, enhanced aesthetics, and durability. Solvent-based polyurethanes have traditionally set the performance standard for high durability coatings. However, environmental considerations for low-VOC alternatives and reduced exposure to solvents has stimulated the development of alternative technologies based on waterborne polyurethane systems.
Gantrade, a global leader in sales and marketing of monomers, intermediates, and polymers, is proud to market Evasin™ to customers in the U.S.A. Also known as ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), Evasin™ is a family of extrudable plastic barrier materials with excellent barrier properties for oxygen and a variety of other gases and volatile products (flavor barrier).
The rising demand for “green,” bio-sourced raw materials and intermediates originates from the concept of sustainability. In our industry, sustainability is about employing materials that are safe, efficient to use and derived from renewable resources.
The Gantrade worldwide commercial team normally heads to one of the key conferences on the global petrochemicals stage this time of year. We have just been notified, along with other attendees, of the cancellation of the 2020 gathering of the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) in New Orleans, due to the spread of COVID-19.
Glacial Acrylic Acid Monomer, commonly known by the acronym GAA, is an unsaturated carboxylic acid co-monomer used by Gantrade customers as a building block to produce acid-functional and crosslinked acrylic copolymers and polyacrylic acids. These copolymers and polyacrylic acids are then used to optimize a number of products including finishes, coatings, adhesives, sealants, inks, flocculants, thickeners, dispersing agents, lubricants, saturants and plastics.
Vinyl acetate-co-ethylene copolymers (VAE), available from Gantrade Corporation and Dairen Chemical Corp. in powder form, are white, free-flowing, dry powders that are readily redispersed into water to re-form a stable emulsion. Sometimes called “solid latex,” VAE redispersable powders (RDPs) are easy to ship, store (excellent storage stability), handle, and dry-mix versus VAEs in an emulsion form. VAEs account for the majority of the global market for redispersible polymer powders.
Cast polyurethane elastomers based on 1,4-butanediol (BDO)-extended MDI systems using PTMEG as the soft segment are among the most useful polyurethane materials, offering cost and performance advantages. We see these elastomers used in a myriad of diverse cast urethane applications including wheels, heavy duty casters and tires for lift trucks, mowers; and all-terrain vehicles; industrial belts, wiper blades, and chute liners; pipe, hose, pump components, and tank liners used in abrasive service; mining, power, and oil-field equipment such as gaskets, valves, hydro cyclones, screens, and flotation parts; athletic shoes, boots and recreational equipment; and medical devices.
