BASF launches new products at TanningTech
BASF announced four new products at the commencement of TanningTech. These included a new finish for automotive leathers which avoids the ageing and polishing which comes with traditional finishes. The soft matt look created by Astacin Novomatt GG and Lepton Protector Products is maintained throughout its life when the product is applied. At the same time it is a much quieter material in an automotive environment, as car manufacturers have been becoming increasingly concerned about the squeak of leather becoming a distraction to occupants of silent modern luxury vehicles. The finish also prevents soiling of the leather
BASF has also introduced a concept of tiny inert spheres filled with gas which are used to fill scratches and indentations in lower grade leather, allowing the build up of a natural finish. The system, known as Lepton Enhancer CP, offers an alternative to foam finishing without impacting adhesion, or wet or dry rub. It can be applied by spray or roller coater.
Corial Ultrasoft NT solves issues which arise with acrylic binders in terms of hard films and embossing. With a soft pleasant feel the new material uses fewer auxiliaries and allows more economical processing.
Relugan SM is a styrene-terpolymer with a 40% high dry content. It has special side chains attached to limit the amount of immediate reactivity with the leather fibres. Acting as a spacer to reduce the charge density, these allow the retannage to move steadily into the leather, filling the empty areas and giving a very tight grain. It acts as a dispersing agent for dyes and this helps to give level dyeing.
