Specialty chemicals polymer development

Particle design is presently a major development of supercritical fluids applications, mainly in the paint, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and specialty chemical industries [4CM-2]. The particle formation of functional pigments with biodegradable polymer has been successfully performed by gas-saturated solution (GSS) process using scC02 and PEG in a thermostatted stirred vessel [43]. The average diameter of the particles obtained by GSS at different conditions (40 and 50 °C, 10-30 MPa) is about 0.78-1.472 pm. 

Among the contrarians, Bayer has had for historical reasons a different approach to the problem of remaining a well-rounded producer of chemicals. It has always been a leader in such specialty chemicals as plastics and rubber additives and supplies master batches through its subsidiary Rhein Chemie. Its polymers are mainly centered on synthetic elastomers and specialty plastics like polyurethanes and polycarbonates that Bayer itself develops. These are not subjected to the cutthroat competition that commodity thermoplastics are. Bayer has remained involved in aroma chemicals with a well-known subsidiary, Haarmann Reimer. In pharmaceuticals the company occupies an honorable rank, although in the future its management may want to separate that branch from the rest of its activities in preparation for further alliances. Like BASF, Bayer considers its agrochemical line as a core business. However, unlike BASF, it is less interested in integrating upstream production to oil raw... 

Broader use of stable, solid catalysts in the synthesis of high-value chemicals is important. The goal is to reduce the production cost of so-called specialty chemicals and pharmaceutical raw materials presently synthesized in batch-type processes using enzymes or alike catalysts. The successful development of stable, solid catalysts in the synthesis of stereospecific chemicals would not only serve their present market, but because of an anticipated cost reduction, may also lead to a broader use of these materials as monomers of superior polymers and various chemical products. 

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