BASF purchased Lanxess intellectual property for a new manufacturing process for high molecular weight PIB, which is used in lubricants. Financial terms were not disclosed.
On behalf of BASF, Lanxess will exclusively manufacture a new high molecular PIB for BASF in existing production facilities under a long term toll blending agreement. BASF will market the products under the product name Oppanol N, according to the May 11 joint announcement.
HM PIB is used in a broad range of applications and industries, including as a viscosity modifier in lubricants, Alexander Heusener, BASF SE communications spokesman for fuel and lubricant solutions, told Lube Report. Heusener said another example application is in roofing membranes used within the construction industry.
The transaction will result in enhanced security of HM PIB supply, and it provides the basis for a long term sustainable growth with high quality products for a broad range of applications, Martin Widmann, senior vice president of BASFs global business fuel and lubricant solutions unit, said in a news release. We are determined to make a smooth transition to the products manufactured according to the newly developed HM PIB technology as an important part of our Oppanol product portfolio. We will work closely with our customers to that effect.
The transaction only related to HM PIB. BASFs other PIB offerings, including medium molecular weight PIB and highly reactive PIB, will not be affected.
According to its website, BASF produces polyisobutene at four plants – two in Antwerp, Belgium, and two in Ludwigshafen, Germany.