complete process

For the manufacture of moldings, the grinded starting materials are saturated or coated with the acrylate resin. Curing is performed at 150-200°C (e.g. in a heated press)and causes chemical crosslinking of the polymers contained in the binder and gives to the material high mechanical strength.

To solve the problem of obtaining an ecoefficient, thermocuring binder for Acrodur, BASF researchers developed an aqueous single-component system consisting of a modified polycarboxylic acid and a cross-linking agent containing hydroxyl groups.

 
Polymer chemists and physicists have closely studied the chemical principles underlying Acrodur to lay the foundation for this class of products. One of the main concerns was to optimize the crosslinking process by varying the polymer structure (molecular weight, functionality etc.) on the one hand, and the reactivity of the crosslinking component on the other.

In cooperation with engineers, a large-scale production process for the acrylate resins was developed. One major challenge was to make both the product and the manufacturing process ecologically and economically efficient.

 
The special advantage of Acrodur as a storage-stable single-component system: Before curing it is thermoplastically deformable, and afterwards it has duroplastic, mechanically stable properties.

With their high strength, good heat distortion resistance and low weight, fiber moldings bound with Acrodur are highly suitable for use in automotive construction and in many other applications.

Ongoing and future activities will extend the range of properties of the Acrodur brands and open up new application fields for this ecologically positive class of products.