Hexion Specialty Chemicals' board of directors has approved construction of a manufacturing plant in Onsan, Korea, to produce Cardura monomer, a Versatic acid derivative used as a key raw material in environmentally advanced paints and coatings.

The plant will be constructed within an existing Hexion manufacturing complex in Onsan to produce Cardura monomer, which is a glycidyl ester derivative of Versatic acid 10. Cardura monomer is used extensively as a key ingredient in environmentally advanced coatings such as automotive clear coats, coil coatings and marine coatings where high solid, water-based formulations and low VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are desired.

Construction of the new facility will begin in the first quarter and completion is slated before the end of this year. Hexion also produces Cardura monomer and Versatic acids at its plant in Pernis, The Netherlands.

"The investment in the new Onsan plant will almost double our current capacity and will provide a second manufacturing location, significantly improving security of supply for our customers," Klaus said. "We are excited about this expansion into the Asia Pacific region, where market demand is growing rapidly and local supply is increasingly critical."

Versatic acid derivatives are key building blocks for resin systems. Their unique structure and properties offer significant performance advantages. They are especially suitable for use in high solids and water-based resins, where hydrophobicity, hydrolytic stability, adhesion and UV resistance are required.