Process Equipment Update
that can be more energy effi cient than liquid crystal displays (LCDs). Their colour rendering is more vivid and they allow thin and fl exible displays. These have to cover a broader colour spectrum than lighting elements. In particular, BASF is developing materials that generate deep blue light and are crucial in this fi eld and the company holds broad key intellectual property for the most promising class of materials.
In a very different use of nanotechnology, the company has developed Master X-Seed, a product that allows very fi nely dispersed synthetically produced crystal speed hardening (CSH) crystals to be added to concrete in a ready- made suspension as crystal seeds. This process – known as seeding – speeds up the hardening process signifi cantly, particularly during the early stage of cement hydration. Adding Master X-Seed means concrete hardens as rapidly at 20°C as concrete without hardener
T
does at 60°
C.This improves production processes and also concrete quality, and even allows it to be poured during the winter when outside temperatures are low.
M
etal organic frameworks (MOFs) allow vehicles to store natural
gas at lower pressures and potentially increase their range, too. MOFs also allow the storage of hydrogen.
Meanwhile Solvay’s nanotechnology efforts are focused on three main areas: electronics and IT; manufacturing and materials; and healthcare and life sciences. One dramatic success is with its silica products, which generate net sales of over €400 million from eight industrial production sites. Marketed as the Zeosil range, these have applications in industry, personal care and nutrition products. However, their most notable success has been with the automobile tyre industry.
Cefic calls for nanotechnology regulation
he European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) describes nanotechnology as one of the most important enabling technologies for its members and has called on the European Commission to ensure that regulatory frameworks are science-based and proportionate. “We call for a balanced policy on nanomaterials, ensuring the protection of human health and the environment, while providing the necessary framework for enhancing innovation, growth and jobs in Europe,” says the organisation. To this end, Cefic highlights a number of key points about nanotechnologies. Firstly, it says, Europe needs them to achieve its growth goals as they are an important driver for industrial innovation. Then comes safety. Evaluation should be on a case-by- case basis as some nanomaterials, such as pigments, have been produced in high
volumes for decades and already have their safety well assessed. Third up is openness and transparency about the possible impact of nanomaterials, which Cefic describes as vital. The fourth point concerns the current European regulatory framework, which Cefic says has the capacity to govern the production and use of nanomaterials. Here, it believes, the existing REACH regulation is the best appropriate framework to use. The fifth point is a call for a common workable system for defining nanomaterials, with consistency, harmonisation and validation of measurement methods – within and without the EU – being areas of concern. Cefic’s final point is that Europe cannot
afford to miss out on the opportunities provided by nanotechnologies and that a positive investment climate for them is important. To do less would give rise to social, economic and environmental disadvantages, the organisation says. ●
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