BASF has recently integrated a curtain coater, based on a “VOITH DF Coat slot dye” into its existing pilot facility. This is now available to customers, as well as interested third parties, for application trials with coating colors for paper and board in both the graphic and packaging sectors.
The curtain coater enables the development of excellent paper surface properties and enhances machine runnability Due to the non-contact application method, the curtain coater allows a particularly homogeneous and defect-free contour coating layer in comparison to other application methods. During the coating process, the base paper undergoes no mechanical stress, and as a result, runnability through the curtain coater is enhanced. In addition, highly uniform fiber coverage and layer thickness are achieved, which not only have a positive effect on printability and optical effects, but also can give paper very good barrier properties.
In addition to the newly installed curtain coater, BASF continues to offer all industry standard coating application methods on its state-of-the-art paper coating machine, including roll / blade, jet / blade, roll / varibar and film press. Coating colors can be produced on site. All necessary preparation facilities are available, including options for dispersing pigments at variable shear and preparing starch solutions with both batch and jet cookers. A 12-roll supercalender enhances sheet smoothness and gloss development. The paper produced can be cut, packaged and shipped as required.
The expanded pilot facility supports the strategic focus of BASF Paper Coating
The investment in the curtain coater underlines BASF’s ongoing commitment to the paper and board industry, especially in the areas of packaging and barrier applications. The combination of an extensive product portfolio, a paper-specific testing laboratory and experienced and qualified employees reinforces BASF’s market position as a leading supplier of paper coating chemicals.
“With the installation of the new curtain coater in our pilot plant, we are completing our range of application technologies and can thus further advance the optimization and development of coating formulations together with our customers,” says Professor Thomas Schiele, Vice President of Paper Coating Chemicals Europe. “This will further strengthen our application expertise in the field of paper coating chemicals at our Ludwigshafen site.”
About BASF
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The approximately 114,000 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 five segments: Chemicals, Performance Products, Functional Materials & Solutions, Agricultural Solutions and Oil & Gas. BASF generated sales of about €58 billion in 2016. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (BAS). Further information at www.basf.com.
About BASF’s Dispersions & Pigments division
The Dispersions & Pigments division of BASF develops, produces and markets a range of high-quality pigments, resins, additives and polymer dispersions worldwide. These raw materials are used in formulations for coatings and paints, printing and packaging products, construction chemicals, adhesives, fiber bondings, plastics, and paper as well as for electronic applications such as displays. With its comprehensive product portfolio and its extensive knowledge of the industry, the Dispersions & Pigments division offers its customers innovative and sustainable solutions and helps them advance their formulations. For further information about the Dispersions & Pigments division, please visit www.dispersions-pigments.basf.com .