The flexibility of the technology will allow the selective production of a wide range of end products, enabling the company to expand its amines product offering. AkzoNobel intends to start construction of a demonstration plant in 2018 to showcase the competitiveness of the platform and validate the products with customers.

   Targeted Range

 The range of ethylene amines targeted includes, but is not limited to, DETA (diethylenetriamine) and TETA (triethylenetetramine), which are key building blocks in a number of growth applications such as epoxy curing, oil and road additives, and paper.

   Joppe Smit, General Manager of AkzoNobel’s Ethylene Amines business, said:

“We are excited to announce this technology, which underlines our commitment to the global ethylene amines market,” 
  It offers unique benefits to our customers in comparison to mainstream technology and we strongly believe it has the potential to become a game-changer in the industry.”
  Added Egbert Henstra, Managing Director of AkzoNobel’s Ethylene and Sulfur Derivatives business:
“Launching this technology strengthens our product portfolio and will further improve the company’s position as one of the leaders in the ethylene amines industry. Establishing this unique position is of strategic importance to our business.”
  Commenting on the development, Peter Nieuwenhuizen, RD&I Director of Specialty Chemicals at AkzoNobel, said: 
“The development of this novel technology is another great example of AkzoNobel’s commitment to growth through innovation. In addition, it underlines our commitment to make a positive and lasting impact on a more sustainable planet.”
  He added that substantial efforts have been made to protect the new technology platform via a comprehensive patent portfolio.