This is an introduction to the new AkzoNobel, Surface Chemistry Research and Development Polymer Processing Facility. The opening AkzoNobel Surface Chemistry’s new Research and Development Polymer Processing Facility in the summer of 2008 has added new processing capability to AkzoNobel’s already highly specialized chemical processing arsenal for creating superior chemical ingredients.

This 1600 square-foot R&D spray drying facility was constructed to support product development of industrial grade biopolymers, synthetic polymers and a broad range of active materials while increasing speed to market for our customers. Operation of this facility is governed by a focus on safety while delivering the highest level of product quality. We are committed to challenging our processing creativity, proving the efficacy of spray drying as an economical processing solution for our customers. The facility is operated with a single-pass tempered air supply, incineration of exhaust gasses, explosion suppression on the dryers, and clean-in-place cleaning equipment.

Two newly purchased research spray dryers, one with evaporative capacity between 1 – 7 kg/hr and the other between 5 – 40 kg/hr have been installed and are operational in our Bridgewater, New Jersey campus. The facility support equipment and process capabilities are well-suited for processing a wide range of biopolymers, synthetic polymers and difficult-to-handle active materials. The facility is supported by a team of biopolymer and synthetic polymer experts, with many years experience in polymer processing and encapsulation. The primary focus of the facility is on projects within the Surface Chemistry business unit but as seen already, news is spreading within all of AkzoNobel quickly.

If you want to learn more about the processing capabilities surrounding this new, state-of-the-art R&D Polymer Processing Facility, call Senior Research Engineer, Kurt Heidemann at 908-685-7459 or e-mail at kurt.heidemann@akzonobel.com.