According to DSM Business Director Neoxil® Sizings and Binders, Remko Goudappel, “DSM believes that local production of consistent, high quality sizing for glass fiber reinforcement will meet the growing need of China’s burgeoning domestic production of wind energy generators.” Up until now, most glass fiber manufacturers in China have produced their own sizing in-house. It is very challenging to achieve and maintain a consistent high quality sizing which is a critical component in the strength and rigidity of wind turbine blades.

Neoxil 728® sizing

A global leader in sizings and binders for glass fiber reinforcement, DSM continues to develop new products and the newly launched Neoxil 728® sizing is the very latest in the innovative line up. Designed specifically for glass fiber reinforcement of vinyl ester resins and epoxy resins used in the manufacture of windmill blades, Neoxil® 728 sizing is a low molecular weight epoxy with a high solid content. The material’s excellent mechanical properties prevent the glass fiber from breaking and making the glass fiber compatible with the resin matrix. Furthermore, low migration properties reduce the cost of glass fiber production. For manufacturers in China, local production of purpose-designed Neoxil® 728 sizing will ensure a consistent high performing solution.

Shanghai plant

Neoxil® 728 will be produced in the new sizing plant opened by DSM Composite Resins in Xinghuo, Shanghai in September 2007. This new product is one of range of Neoxil® sizings produced in Shanghai to supply the growing market in China as well as other countries throughout the Asia-Pacific region. DSM is meeting the growing demand for local supplies of consistent high quality sizings for glass fiber reinforcement for wind turbine blades and a range of other applications.

To ensure customers high, consistent quality worldwide, DSM is using exactly the same equipment and technology in the Shanghai plant that is used in the sizing plant in Filago, Italy. The same raw materials and production methods are used thus guaranteeing absolute consistency between the two production facilities to meet DSM Neoxil global standards.

“The new plant in Shanghai demonstrates DSM’s long term commitment to the glass fiber industry and our confidence and commitment to the continuing growth and development of wind energy in China. This environmentally sound technology is vital to a country with an increasing and pressing need to generate cost-efficient green energy”, says Remko Goudappel.

About DSM Composite Resins

DSM Composite Resins is part of DSM Resins, a group within the Performance Materials cluster of DSM. DSM Composite Resins is the largest producer of structural resins in Europe with a technically innovative portfolio of resins and gelcoats. The company is expanding globally, especially in China, targeting high added-value segments. Customers are served via dedicated Competence and Expertise Centers and the company owned European FRP distribution business, Euroresins. Since DSM Composite Resins is also the global market leader in Neoxil Sizings & Binders, vital functional and performance components used in the production of glass fiber reinforcements, the company can claim unique competencies throughout the composites value chain.

About DSM

DSM creates innovative products and services in life sciences and materials sciences, contributing to the quality of life. DSM's products and services are used globally in a wide range of markets and applications, supporting a healthier, more sustainable and enjoyable way of living. End markets include human and animal nutrition and health, personal care, pharmaceuticals, automotive, coatings and paint, electrics & electronics, life protection and housing. The company strategy, Vision 2010 - Building on Strengths, focuses on accelerating profitable and innovative growth of the company's specialties portfolio. The key drivers of this strategy are market-driven growth and innovation, an increased presence in emerging economies and operational excellence. DSM has annual sales of almost €9 billion and employs some 22,000 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in the Netherlands, with locations in Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa and Australia. More information on DSM can be found at www.dsm.com .