2013-03-18

Elegance in black

New premium black pigments from LANXESS for coloration of concrete

March 18, Shanghai – Specialty chemicals company LANXESS, one of the leading manufacturers of inorganic iron oxide pigments, has expanded its portfolio of black pigments for the coloration of concrete. The new powder grade Bayferrox TP LXS 5253 and Bayferrox TP LXS 5255 granules bridge the gap between the standard black grades from LANXESS and the premium pigments Bayferrox 360 and Bayferrox 365 GP. They are of particular interest wherever long-lasting black with an intense blue undertone is desired.

Expansion of the proven Bayferrox black range

Previously, it had not been possible to produce blacks with a deep blue undertone, even with extremely high pigment concentrations - that has now changed with the new Bayferrox grades. “Our customers can draw on our technical expertise to help them choose the right black shade for their projects and products from our comprehensive portfolio”, says Lutz Kohnert, head of the Inorganic Pigments (IPG) business unit's Global Competence Center Construction.

Besides the concrete-related properties of the proven Bayferrox line, the new Bayferrox TP LXS 5253 powder pigment has a higher tinting strength and a significantly stronger blue undertone which produces a distinctive shade, setting it apart from standard iron oxides. The pigment is certified to meet all requirements of the European standard DIN EN 12878. The low content of water-soluble salts makes the product ideally suited for use in reinforced concrete.

 
The new Bayferrox TP LXS 5255 is a free-flowing, low-dusting iron oxide black. Supplied as granules, it offers customers optimal processing properties and is also characterized by its special shade. It has a much higher tinting strength and a significantly stronger blue undertone than conventional iron oxide black granules.

Both grades are suitable for many construction materials coloration applications, including concrete roofing tiles and paving stones which are relevant for the China market.

Black is in vogue

“One of the main growth drivers for our sector is the megatrend of urbanization sweeping the world over; cities are springing up everywhere. Furthermore, aesthetics has taken over utility as the focus of modern urban planning approaches. There is growing demand for coloured concrete which is sustainable and don’t require extensive maintenance. The new product grades will provide manufacturers with more options to increase the appeal of concrete,” says Wolfgang Oehlert, head of the IPG business unit for Asia-Pacific.    

Bayferrox iron oxide pigments from LANXESS have proven effective in this application for nearly 90 years and are an established product throughout the world. The majority of the inorganic color pigments produced worldwide are used for the fabrication of concrete goods such paving stones, roofing tiles and sidewalk slabs. But even the manufacturers of precast concrete and ready-mix concrete are increasingly using inorganic pigments to color the versatile and economical construction material. The ecologically safe products are extremely weather-stable, extremely well fixed in the construction material, cement-resistant and economical. They are also available in a wide range of colors and supply forms.

The IPG business unit belongs to LANXESS’ Performance Chemicals segment, which achieved total sales of EUR 2.13 billion in fiscal 2011.

LANXESS will present the new grades to the trade public for the first time at Bauma 2013, the international construction machinery trade fair taking place in Munich from April 15 to 21.

Detailed information on the new product range can be found on the Internet at www.bayferrox.com.

LANXESS is a leading specialty chemicals company with sales of EUR 8.8 billion in 2011 and currently around 17,100 employees in 31 countries. The company is at present represented at 48 production sites worldwide. The core business of LANXESS is the development, manufacturing and marketing of plastics, rubber, intermediates and specialty chemicals. LANXESS is a member of the leading sustainable indices Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) World and FTSE4Good as well as the Carbon Disclosure Leadership Index (CDLI).

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by LANXESS AG management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to confirm them to future events or developments.

Information for editors:

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