A new technical center for the development of isocyanate production processes has been opened by Bayer MaterialScience in Dormagen. Isocyanates are a group of chemicals used in the manufacture of polyurethane plastics, foams, paints, synthetic rubbers, varnishes and adhesives. The main processes in the newly opened facility will include the production of precursors to diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) and toluene diisocyanate (TDI). MDI is the starting product for rigid polyurethane foam, mainly used in insulation of buildings and TDI.
“All global research activities related to the production of aromatic isocyanates have now been pooled in the new hydrogenation technical center,” said Dr. Joachim Wolff, head of the polyurethanes business of Bayer MaterialScience. “The associated efficiency gains in the research and optimization of the production processes will help to further expand our global technological leadership.”
The new research facility was built in just one year with an investment worth of €5m.
