New BASF vinyl monomer for UV curing products in the printing and coatings industry

• Innovative vinyl methyl oxazolidinone (VMOX) reactive diluent
• Easy handling, excellent application properties and favorable toxicological profile
• Product launch at the European Coatings Show in Nuremberg

With vinyl methyl oxazolidinone (VMOX), BASF offers a new vinyl monomer in commercial quantities. VMOX is particularly suitable as a reactive diluent in UV curing inks and coatings, which can for example be used for digital UV printing. In these applications, the vinyl monomer has many technical benefits compared to conventional reactive diluents and allows innovative coatings formulations with a favorable toxicological profile. BASF will be presenting VMOX for the first time at the European Coatings Show, which will be held from March 19 to 21 in Nuremberg.

Very low viscosity, liquid at room temperature

VMOX is liquid at room temperature and has a very low viscosity of ca. 4 mPa s. Compared to conventional raw materials, it enables the preparation of low-viscous and almost odorless formulations. VMOX is characterized by a high copolymerization reactivity with acrylates. The monomer brings excellent adhesion properties on all common substrates, even at low dosages. It also enables more brilliant colors in the final printed products and coatings. The toxicological profile of VMOX is an additional benefit. Compared to conventional products, according to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) classification, VMOX does not require the labels “serious health hazard” and “acute toxicity”. The product is fully REACH registered up to 1,000 tons.

Addition to the broadest vinyl monomer portfolio

With VMOX, BASF is adding to the industry’s most comprehensive portfolio of functional vinyl monomers, such as vinyl ethers and N-vinyl compounds. These high-quality intermediates are commonly used for example in the production of coatings, adhesives, biocides, high-performance oils, flavorings and printing inks. BASF combines 90 years of experience in the vinyl monomers research field with state-of-the-art technology, with manufacturing taking place in Europe.

Additional information is available at www.intermediates.basf.com/vmox and www.intermediates.basf.com/chemicals/vinyl-monomers_ethers.

About BASF Intermediates

The BASF Group’s Intermediates division develops, produces and markets a comprehensive portfolio of about 700 intermediates around the world. Its most important product groups include amines, diols, polyalcohols, acids and specialties. Intermediates are for example used as starting materials for coatings, plastics, pharmaceuticals, textiles, detergents and crop protectants. Innovative intermediates from BASF help to improve both the properties of final products and the efficiency of production processes. The ISO 9001 certified Intermediates division operates plants at production sites in Europe, Asia and North America. Around the globe the division generated sales to third parties of about €3,1 billion in 2018. For more information, go to www.intermediates.basf.com

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The approximately 122,000 employees in the BASF Group work on contributing to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio is organized into six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of around €63 billion in 2018. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (BAS). Further information at www.basf.com

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