Clariant, a world leader in specialty chemicals, says its recently introduced Hostacor® AL water-dispersible corrosion inhibitor for use in the metalworking industry has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its potential to reduce environmental pollution. The recognition is provided as part of the EPA's Pollution Prevention (P2) Recognition Project within its New Chemicals Program (NCP), which is intended to encourage chemical companies to develop "greener" chemistries.
Hostacor AL, which is entirely based on renewable feedstocks, contains no phosphorus, a potential nutrition source for microorganisms.
Hostacor AL inhibits corrosion on steel and aluminum surfaces at low concentrations (well under 2.0%) and pH values of around 9. At the same time, the component contributes to the lubrication of both metals. When used in aluminum cutting operations, it provides protection against staining in soft and hard water. It produces no lime soaps and has a very low foaming tendency. An additional benefit is that existing metal working fluids for steel can be upgraded to machine aluminum by post-adding Hostacor AL to the formulation.
Since the beginning of this year, Hostacor AL has been carrying Clariant's EcoTain® label in recognition of its high level of sustainability. Products can only obtain the EcoTain label after they have undergone a systematic, in-depth screening process using 36 criteria in all three sustainability dimensions: social, environmental, and economic. EcoTain label-awarded products significantly exceed sustainability market standards, have best-in-class performance and contribute to sustainability efforts of Clariant and its customers.
"There is a growing need in the metalworking industry for sustainable and multi-functional additives, especially for use in semisynthetic-based cutting and grinding fluids that are intended to machine light-weight materials. This is mainly driven by the demand from the automotive or aviation industry to reduce weight and increase energy and fuel efficiency," says Ralf Zerrer, head of Strategic Marketing & Innovation at Clariant's Business Unit Industrial & Consumer Specialties. "Hostacor AL has an outstanding combination of excellent performance in terms of corrosion prevention and lubrication, together with high sustainability."