BASF acquires a supplier of polymer dispersions for construction chemicals, including cement based coating systems and air entraining agents for dry mortar and cement.
BASF has acquired the business activities of Austrian company BCD Rohstoffe fur Bauchemie HandelsGmbH with effect from April 1, 2008. The acquisition covers BCD’s entire construction chemicals business expertise, patents and formulations of polymer dispersions and concrete additives for the building industry. The company is known in the construction chemicals industry as a supplier of polymer dispersions, above all for cement based coating systems, and of air-entraining agents for dry mortar and cement. BCD markets its products under the registered trademarks, Vinagen and Vinapor brands.
Dispersions - Vinagen
. The product range consists of various pure acrylic and styrene-acrylic dispersions suitable for a wide range of applications in the construction industry. Typical applications are paints, coatings, sealing and concrete repair systems. Some types can also be used for adhesives formulation. Vinagen dispersions are free of solvents, plasticisers, acrylonitrile and formaldehyde. Most products are also free of ammonia and amines.
In order to satisfy even the highest environmental standards, the newest dispersions are produced with protective colloid systems free of APEO (alkyl phenole ethoxylates). APEO's are under suspicion of causing cancer and are therefor banned by various governments. Also most of the company's existing products are available in APEO free versions.
BCD's products for example, are used as a component of waterproofing membranes behind tiles to seal swimming pools. View High resolution image. photo: BASF/BCD
BCD's products complement the BASF portfolio of polymer dispersions for the construction chemistry.
Air Entrainers - Vinapor
The usual aplication areas for Sacopor/Vinapor SYN air entrainers are one pack powder systems like mortars, plasters etc.
. The Sacopor/Vinapor MTZ air entrainers have the same high efficiency as their liquid counterparts (50-100% better than comparable products on the market), good water hardness resistance and excellent compatibility with most concrete additives.
. The Sacopor/Vinapor DH air entrainers are aqueous solutions of modified tall oil rosin and gum rosin soaps. When added to concrete or other cementitious mixtures, they introduce a system of micropores (bubbles), which leads to an increase of freeze-thaw resistance and - as a side effect - a distinctive rheology improvement.
From April, BASF will be continuing BCD’s construction chemicals activities with its customers and business partners. “We want to expand our raw materials business for the construction chemicals industry. We will achieve this first of all by investing in research and development and with the help of our comprehensive technology platforms”, said Jan-Peter Sander, head of the Regional Business Unit Dispersions for Adhesives and Construction Europe. “But we are also focusing on acquisitions, for example if a technology-oriented company like BCD and its portfolio provide an excellent fit with our existing business.” The acquisition, he added, will improve BASF’s technology position and make it even more attractive as a competent supplier to the construction chemicals industry.
“I am pleased that with BASF we have found a buyer where we can be sure that our business and our customers will be in good hands”, stated BCD’s managing director Dr. Heinz Axmann. The move ensures that BCD’s existing customers will continue to be supplied with the company’s products. BASF and BCD have jointly informed their respective customers about the deal.