BASF completes capacity expansion of key specialty amines in Americas

On December 12, 2023, BASF has completed the expansion of production capacity for critical specialty amines produced at its Geismar, Louisiana, plant. As a result, BASF will be able to produce more polyetheramines and amine catalysts sold under the Baxodur® and Lupragen™ brands.

Kevin, Vice President of Business Management for Amine, Acetylene and Carbonyl Derivatives and Chemical Intermediates, BASF North America
“This project represents our commitment to growth in the Americas market,” said Anderson. “Our Geismar facility is an ideal location for this expansion due to existing infrastructure and skilled workforce.”

BASF’s Baxodur product portfolio is used by customers as highly efficient curing agents and chain extenders for epoxy and polyurea applications in the wind power, electrical, composites, adhesives and flooring industries. The use of Baxodur products allows customers to gain many advantages in formulations, including improved set time, hardness, flexibility, peel strength, and chemical and temperature resistance.

BASF’s Lupragen products are highly efficient amine catalysts for polyurethane (PU). These catalysts are usually tertiary amines, which are necessary to promote the reaction of the main components (isocyanates and polyols). Depending on the choice of catalyst, the polyurethane formation process can be controlled to enhance gelling or foaming reactions. BASF’s Lupragen product portfolio includes several low-VOC catalysts that support growing goals for sustainable emission reductions.

With around 300 different amines, BASF has one of the largest ranges of chemical intermediates in the world. In addition to alkylamines, alkanolamines and alkylamine oxides, BASF also offers heterocyclic amines, aromatic amines and specialty amines. These multifunctional products are mainly used in the manufacture of process chemicals, pharmaceuticals and crop protection products, as well as cosmetics and detergents. They are also used in the production of coatings, specialty plastics, composites and specialty fibers.