Smart Molding International 2-2022

50 materials smart_molding international 2/2022 O ne of the biggest challenges for the automotive industry is to remove odors from car interiors. With a key requirement to reduce emissions from aldehydes, Evonik has developed its new sec- ond-generation aldehyde scavenger, ORTEGOL® LA 3. The additive is spe- cifically designed to reduce formal- dehyde and acetaldehyde levels in automotive molded foams, helping to reduce the “new car smell”. Increasing consumer demand for neutral odors inside the vehicle has placed an ever-increasing focus on additive formulators like Evonik to de- velop modern, high-performance scav- engers that enable automotive OEMs to reduce VOC and FOG levels. The in- dustry’s continuing drive to lower alde- hyde levels must also be balanced with maintaining good processability and the final quality of the polyurethane (PU) foam products. Evonik’s new scavenger works by reacting with the aldehyde – this ensures easy process- ing without compromising the quality of the PU application. “With strong pressure coming from consumers in Asia to completely re- move the ‘new car smell’, reducing odors inside the cabin has become a key focus area for us,” said Roland Hubel, Head of Evonik’s PU additive business for flexible foams. “We have a broad portfolio of additives that includes low odor and low VOC surfactants, as well as our latest NE (Negligible Emission) range of catalysts and aldehyde scaven- gers such as ORTEGOL® LA 3 to help our customers meet today’s more stringent emission demands.” Recommended for use in conjunction with DABCO® NE 300 and DABCO® NE 1550 or DABCO® NE 1600, ORTEGOL® LA 3 is unique in that it can scavenge several aldehyde species (formulation dependent). ORTEGOL® LA 3 is regis- tered for use in all major regions includ- ing US (TSCA), Canada (DSL) and Europe (REACH). Additionally, ORTEGOL® LA 3 does not contribute to emissions in VDA 278 or VDA 276 (Chamber Test). To support these new low VOC and low emission solutions, Evonik has es- tablished its own certified odor panel in Shanghai, China to facilitate its in- house odor testing during new prod- uct development and to better support customers in the region. Company information Evonik is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals. The company is ac- tive in more than 100 countries around the world and generated sales of €15 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of €2.38 billion in 2021. Evonik goes far beyond chemistry to create innovative, profitable, and sustainable solutions for customers. About 33,000 employees work together for a com- mon purpose: We want to improve life today and tomorrow. About Specialty Additives The Specialty Additives division combines the businesses of versatile additives and high-performance cross- linkers. They make end products more valuable, more durable, save more en- ergy and simply better. As formulation experts in fast growing markets such as coatings, mobility, infrastructure and consumer goods, Specialty Additives combines a small amount with a big effect. With its 3,700 employees the division generated sales of €3.71 bil- lion in 2021. Evonik www.evonik.com Improved vehicle interior air quality with Evonik's new Aldehyde Scavenger • ORTEGOL® LA 3scavenges formaldehyde and acetaldehyde to improve vehicle interior air quality • New scavenger designed for good processability and high emission reduction performance • Supports automotive industry to meet increasingly stringent emission demands Picture source: Evonik