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DSM Functional Materials, the US-based developer of functional coatings, has teamed up with a Brazilian biotech firm to launch a new line of bio-based concrete floor coatings.
The secret ingredient: castor oil.
Yes, castor oil. The non-edible vegetable oil, that dreaded staple of childhood “regularity” campaigns, has gained favor in polyurethane development. The oil and its derivatives are used in paints, coatings, plastics and many other products.
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DSM |
| DSM Functional Materials produces U-Volve instant-cure concrete floor coatings and UVaCorr anti-corrosion coatings for tube and pipe applications. |
Now, bio-based castor oil materials will be the basis for the floor coatings line to be produced by DSM’s new venture with Empresa Brasileira de Biotechnologia (Ebrabiotech) of Brazil, the companies announced Wednesday (Jan. 18). Brazil is a major producer of the castor bean.
A Memorandum of Understanding between Ebrabiotch and DSM’s parent company, Royal DSM, launched the venture.
Steel Protection Potential
“The new development between DSM and Ebrabiotech fits perfectly with our two companies’ shared interest in developing innovative, green chemistries that deliver more sustainable solutions to people working into various markets around the globe,” says Henk-Jan Koenen, Business Unit Director, DSM Functional Materials.
Although the venture’s first new line will target the industrial concrete flooring market, future low-carbon-footprint materials will target structural steel protection and other applications.
About the Companies
DSM Functional Materials’ coatings portfolio includes Uvolve Instant Floor Coatings, for the protection of concrete floors and vinyl composite tile, and UVaCorr anti-corrosion coatings for tube and pipe applications. The company is based in Elgin, IL.
Based in Araraquara, Brazil, EBRABIOTECH develops a range of bio-based coatings, resins and other products.
DSM said the new venture would advance its goal of filling more than 80% of its innovation pipeline by 2015 with ECO+ products.
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