Wacker Chemie AG, Germany, reports its new VINNOL® CEN 2752 self-crosslinking aqueous copolymer dispersion is well-suited for use as a binder or coating in flame-retardant (FR) finishing of upholstery fabrics, sun-protection materials such as shades and blinds, nonwovens such as needle felts, heat-sealable wadding materials and other textile materials that require strict FR performance.

The dispersion is made from vinyl chloride and ethylene, contains no plasticizers as well as less formaldehyde than conventional self-crosslinking vinyl chloride copolymer dispersions, and is compliant with current product safety requirements. According to the company, it is highly stable when combined with FR additives such as organic and inorganic phosphates or aluminum hydroxide, and it enables substantial reduction of the amount of FR additives needed to provide a permanent FR textile finish. Adhesion to cellulose and man-made fibers as well as polyvinyl chloride coatings is both reliable and permanent; and the dispersion exhibits high heat resistance and wet strength, stable viscosity, and good wash resistance. Treated fabrics exhibit high chemical resistance and can be can be heat-sealed or high-frequency welded. Application methods include foaming, impregnation and spraying, among other methods.

In other news, effective May 1, 2011, Wacker has named IMCD Australia Ltd. and IMCD New Zealand Ltd. — subsidiaries of the Netherlands-based chemicals distributor IMCD Benelux NV — distributors of Wacker polymer and silicone products in Australia and New Zealand, respectively. The IMCD Group also distributes Wacker products in much of Europe and in South Africa.

March 22, 2011