Clariant recently started up additional capacity for phosphate esters at its chemicals manufacturing site in Gendorf, Germany. Phosphate esters are commonly used in additives for metalworking fluids and in fire-resistant hydraulic fluids.
Clariant didnt disclose the investment cost or the size of the capacity increase.
Photo: Clariant
Clariant recently announced the start-up of additional capacity for phosphate esters at its chemicals manufacturing site in Gendorf, Germany.
The new capacity at Gendorf enables Clariant to support global demand from customers in the industrial lubricants market segment, in addition to paints and coatings, crop solutions and personal care segments, the company stated in a news release.
According to its website, phosphate esters are used as extreme pressure and antiwear additives for metalworking fluids such as rolling oils. They are used in neat and semi-synthetic metalworking fluids, as well as emulsions. Phosphate esters are also used as base stocks in fire-resistant hydraulic fluids for applications such as power plants, factories, marine vessels, mines and aircraft.
Phosphate esters are niche base stocks with usefulness somewhat limited by low viscosity index, limited seal compatibility and non-miscibility with mineral oils. But they are valued in some applications for their resistance to fire, non-toxicity, fast biodegradability and for providing excellent protection from wear and scuffing.
According to LubesnGreases 2015 Nonconventional Base Stocks Guide, less than 20 plants produce phosphate esters that are used as lubricating base stocks.