DSM and AkzoNobel have signed a cross-license agreement on cobalt-free technologies for the curing of thermoset resins. The innovative curing solutions will offer the market more sustainable alternatives to the conventional, cobalt-based systems currently in use.

“The agreement will open up access to the combined technologies of DSM and AkzoNobel through sub-licensing, providing genuine alternatives to cobalt-based accelerator systems for all composite component and resin manufacturers”, said Wilfrid Gambade, President DSM Composite Resins.

“Anticipating increasing environmental pressure on cobalt, both DSM and AkzoNobel have been working independently for several years on the development of cobalt-free resin curing systems”, added Alain Rynwalt, sBU Director Marketing & Sales XTP EMEA for AkzoNobel Functional Chemicals. “The two companies have successfully scaled up the technologies and both have filed a broad range of patents covering many types of accelerator systems and materials. Combining these technologies will bring viable, leading-edge solutions to the whole composites industry”. 

Details are being finalized and additional announcements will be made at a press conference during the JEC Composites trade show on March 27, 2012, in Paris.

DSM – BRIGHT SCIENCE BRIGHTER LIVING™

Royal DSM N.V. is a global science-based company active in health, nutrition and materials. By connecting its unique competences in Life Sciences and Materials Sciences DSM is driving economic prosperity, environmental progress and social advances to create sustainable value for all stakeholders. DSM delivers innovative solutions that nourish, protect and improve performance in global markets such as food and dietary supplements, personal care, feed, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, automotive, paints, electrical and electronics, life protection, alternative energy and bio-based materials. DSM’s 22,000 employees deliver annual net sales of about € 9 billion. The company is listed on NYSE Euronext. 

More information can be found at www.dsm.com

AkzoNobel

AkzoNobel is the largest global paints and coatings company and a major producer of specialty chemicals. We supply industries and consumers worldwide with innovative products and are passionate about developing sustainable answers for our customers. Our portfolio includes well known brands such as Dulux, Sikkens, International and Eka. Headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, we are a Global Fortune 500 company and are consistently ranked as one of the leaders in the area of sustainability. With operations in more than 80 countries, our 55,000 people around the world are committed to excellence and delivering Tomorrow’s Answers Today™.