dendrimers called Priostar on alimited basis to the commercialsector. The dendrimers are arelatively low-cost mechanism forproducing precision nanostructuresthat have commercial applications inindustry and medical technology suchas surface coatings, sensors, catalysts,surfactants, binders, cosmetics,ultrafiltration and other areas.

Press release from: Starpharma Holdings, Australia.Tel: +61 2 9237 2800. Website:http://www.starpharma.com (20 Jun 2006)

SURFACTANTSNicca to double Vietnamese output oftextile surfactants

Nicca Chemical will double itsproduction capacity for fibre-usesurfactants from 150 tonnes/month to300 tonnes/month. High-performancetextile surfactants include fluorinatedwater repellents and flame retardants.The capacity expansion involves theaddition of a new line at thecompany’s Vietnamese unit, which isoperating at nearly 90%. Completionof the new line is expected by end-Sep or start of Oct 2006. By end of2006, Nicca Chemical expects toboost its share of the local market to7-8%. Nicca Vietnam, the company’slocal subsidiary in the AmataIndustrial Park at Bien Hoa, beganoperations in Mar 2005.

Japan Chemical Week, 13 Jul 2006, 47 (2375), 12

Goldschmidt launches vegetable-based emulsifier

Degussa’s Goldschmidt PersonalCare has introduced a vegetable-based cationic emulsifier systemdeveloped for O/W cream and lotionproduction. Tego Care CE 40 is a mixof an emulsifier (palmitamidopropyl-trimonium chloride) and a stabilizer(cetearyl alcohol) that delivers asmooth, powdery-skin texture. Theproduct is particularly advantageousto cosmetic producers utilizing highlipophilic content preparations tosatisfy requirements for superiormoisturization. Tego Care CE 40 canprovide emulsifying properties whileconcealing the heavy or greasytexture of the high oil content. Thesubstance is suitable for use as a

main emulsifier or a co-emulsifier tomodify the sensory profile of acomposition.

HAPPI, Household & Personal Products Industry, Jul2006, 43 (7), 140

Huntsman increases surfactant pricesin the Americas

Huntsman Performance Products, abusiness division of HuntsmanCorporation, increased off list pricesfor all grades of SURFONIC® N andSURFONIC(r) NB series surfactantsby $0.03 per pound on 1 Aug 2006 oras contracts allow. The company saidthe price increases reflect continuedhigh energy costs and high demandfor intermediate raw material productsthat are in tight supply. They will allowthe company to remain competitiveand continue to provide customerswith quality products.

Press release from: Huntsman Corp, 10003 WoodlochForest Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77380, USA. Tel: +1281 719 4979. Fax: +1 281 719 4039. Website:http://www.huntsman.com (12 July 2006)

ASSOCIATEDPRODUCTS

Innophos readies IPO

Innophos Holdings has filed for aproposed IPO of up to $150 M instock. Innophos is the former NAmerican industrial phosphatesbusiness of Rhodia [Focus onSurfactants, Oct 2004]. It had sales of$527.6 M in the year ending 31 Mar2006.

Chemical and Engineering News, 24 Jul 2006, 84(30), 17-18 (Website: http://www.cen-online.org)

Transparent cellulose gel sampled ascosmetic ingredient

Asahi Kasei Chemicals has grantedDai-chi Kogyo Seiyaku the licence touse its technology and patent toproduce transparent cellulose gel.The material is produced fromnaturally derived cellulose, whichmeasures around 10 nanometres indiameter, and can be dissolved inwater, alcohol or oil. The gel can alsofunction as an emulsifier, and bemixed with dyes and pigments. Theproduct offers the ability to regain its

viscosity after spraying, and exhibittransparency and surfacesmoothness, making it suitable as acosmetic raw material. Daichi hopesto generate sales of 400 tonnes/y inthree years. The company ismarketing the product to the cosmeticsector through Marubeni, its tradingcompany based in Osaka, Japan, aswell as to the toiletry andagrochemical industries through itscurrent sales channels.

Japan Chemical Week, 22 Jun 2006, 47 (2372), 2

Chemical profile: propylene glycol

Propylene glycol (PG) has a numberof applications, principally in theproduction of unsaturated polyesterresins but also in nonionic detergents,de-icing fluids, and others. In Europe,the overall demand for PG is stable,with supply currently steady to longand all key consuming sectorsprocuring normal volumes. However,dipropylene glycol (DPG) andtripropylene glycol (TPG) supply islimited, and demand is fairly robust. Inthe USA, the PG market is somewhatin equilibrium, but demand continuesto be weak in the major Chinesemarket. Growth was flat in theEuropean market in 2005 comparedwith 2004, although sales increasedin the de-icing sector in 1Q 2006. In2006, the PG market is forecast torecord an upturn. Exports alsodeclined in 2005 as new capacities inAsia started up. PG prices in Europehave been rather steady but a verydull spot market is now starting toweigh down on prices. Worldwidegrowth is estimated at 4.5%/y to2010, with Asia, mainly China,expected to register the strongestgrowth. Demand in East Asia ispegged at over 7%/y to 2010.

ICIS Chemical Business, 10 Jul 2006, (Website:http://icischemicalbusiness.com)

APPLICATIONSNew OxiClean detergent reduceslaundry hassles

Orange Glo International haslaunched the OxiClean Detergent Ballwith Toss-N-Go Dispenser. OxiCleanDetergent is a low-suds detergent ballformulated to stay in the washing

4 SEPTEMBER 2006

F O C U S O N S U R F A C T A N T S