MUTTENZ, Switzerland - Increasing demand has led specialty chemicals expert Clariant to add polyetheramines to its range of industrial and consumer specialty products. A new reactor in the company’s nitril-amine plant in Gendorf, Germany, has just started production to facilitate the portfolio extension.

Polyetheramines are used in a variety of applications such as agricultural chemical formulations, the preparation of polyurea and modified urethane resins, as intermediates for textile and paper treating chemicals, and as epoxy curing agents. Polymeric derivatives can be used as dispersants in paints, concrete, fuels and lubricants. Many of these segments are currently showing significant growth.

Clariant’s initial focus will be on a small but dedicated portfolio closely related to existing customer projects in crop protection and the construction industry. The portfolio is likely to be extended after discussions with customers.