Chemicals

This brochure describes how nanotechnology has been used as the basis for the development of an industrial adhesive system. Energy in the form of microwaves or alternating magnetic fields passes through the components to be joined to the adhesive layer, where it is converted into heat by nanoparticles. This process generates shorter production times with comparatively lower energy consumption. Further information is contained in the German language brochure.

In four selected electroplating enterprises waste concepts were compiled for the five most common metal-applying process stages (copper, zinc, chrome, nickel galvanically and auto-catalytically). First the adjustment of the rinsing criteria to the actual need and the decrease of the drag out were examined by an optimization of the dripping off procedure. Depending on the operational conditions up to 40 % of the mud accumulation of the process stages could be avoided. It was found out that the savings of raw materials (feed) connected with the waste concepts usually make a larger contribution to the cost reduction than the avoided disposal costs.

The textile finishing industry belongs to the water-intensive industrial branches. With regard to intensified waste water standards and rising waste water prices procedures free of sewage reduce production costs. In a commercial-scale comparison of the usual aqueous dyeing method of polyester fibers with a new dyeing method in supercritical carbon dioxide it was proven that during the pretreatment, the following colouring, and the subsequent avivage no waste water results. Expand…

Degradation-resistant textile treatment agents contaminate waters throughout the world. The brochure describes a project for the successful synthesis of process chemicals which are biodegradable in sewage treatment plants. By this method, international environmental protection standards can be implemented in the textile processing industry. Further information is contained in the German language brochure.

Appropriate methods have been developed and standardised for the testing of the effectiveness of biodegradable levelling agents, sequestering agents and dispersants. Results obtained may be applied as physical-chemical reference values. Expand…

Chemical components previously used in textile dyeing processes were resistant to biodegradation, and were therefore associated with expensive waste water treatment processes. By the use of substances which are analogous to natural materials, it has been possible to develop components which are suitable for the production of technically equivalent, but microbially degradable chemical auxiliaries for use in dyeing processes. Expand…

Environment-friendly process chemicals for the dyeing of textile products have been developed on the basis of a comparison of the structures of conventional textile auxiliaries and natural materials. The biodegradability and practical effectiveness of the substances identified have been confirmed in the course of more extensive tests. Expand…

The decontamination process developed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in polluted soils allows the technical exploitation of naturally-occurring humification processes for the removal of contaminants. By this method, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are oxidised to form carbon dioxide and water. In practice, this method represents a sustainable and cost-effective clean-up technology. Expand…