Consumables
BASF to increase prices for acrylic monomers
Friday 26. September 2008 - Effective October 1, 2008 BASF will increase its prices for acrylic acid and acrylic esters (glacial acrylic acid; methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, n-butyl acrylate, 2-ethyl hexyl acrylate) in Europe/Africa/Middle East by 50 per metric ton, as far as existing contracts permit. This is the companys reaction to ongoing inadequate margins.
In August and September 2008 BASF announced price increases in North America to cover escalating raw material and energy costs. The following increases summarize announcements of August and September 2008:
Glacial Acrylic Acid: $0.14/lb ($310 per metric ton)
Methyl Acrylate: $0.17/lb ($375 per metric ton)
Ethyl Acrylate: $0.17/lb ($375 per metric ton)
Butyl Acrylate: $0.18/lb ($400 per metric ton)
2-Ethylhexyl Acrylate: $0.20/lb ($440 per metric ton)
Acrylic acid is the main precursor in the production of superabsorbent polymers, materials which absorb many times their own weight in liquid and are mainly used in diapers and other hygienic products. Other acrylic acid derivatives are pure acrylate dispersions of the kind used for binders in varnishes and paints, and acrylic acid ester, also known as acrylate. These monomeric building blocks are used to manufacture the polymer dispersions contained as a functional component in architectural coatings, adhesives, fiber binders, products for the construction chemicals industry and coatings for the paper industry.