emission control ceramics

Manufacturers of advanced ceramics such as catalytic converters, gasoline & diesel particulate filters and industrial environmental filters require ingredients that provide the right amount of plasticity and workability during the shaping and molding process, while maintaining firmness of the wet mass after extrusion and before/during drying (wet green strength). Other advanced ceramics like catalyst carriers made into different shapes and using various shaping techniques (extrusion, dry pressing, isostatic pressing, etc.) also require organic binders to provide strength and cohesion of the shaped ceramic product.

During the drying process, these ingredients help ensure uniform, controlled drying and prevent the formation of cracks and blisters that can affect the performance of the converter, filter and other shapes. Although the needs are the same, different binders are used for the different manufacturing processes depending on raw materials, equipment as well as end product requirements. All manufacturers want to minimize costly equipment maintenance and repairs so they are also looking for products that help reduce wear and tear on manufacturing equipment and completely burn so there is little to no residue to deal with after manufacturing. Ashland offers a variety of products that can help solve these manufacturing needs.

catalytic washcoats

The most important part of an emission control product is the catalyst, mainly platinum group metals (PGM’s). Those catalysts are typically applied onto an inorganic support in form of a slurry. Those thin coatings, the catalytic washcoats, needs to have controlled rheological properties depending on the way of application. Pseudoplastic or Newtonian flow properties are the most common ones. Ashland products help adjusting the rheology to become suitable for the application and secure stability even under harsh (often strongly acidic) conditions.  

activated carbon extrusion

Similar to ceramic substrates or particulate filters also activated carbon can be extruded with help Ashland binders. Typical shapes are honeycombs, pellets or sheets. Outstanding plasticity is one of the key properties provided by Ashland. Activated carbon containing canisters are used in the automotive segment to adsorb evaporating fuel gases and feed them back into the combustion engine. Those systems help saving thousands of tons of fuel globally per day and prevent the fuel gases from being released into the environment.

catalyst supports & bed topping media

Other advanced ceramics like catalyst carriers made into different shapes and using various shaping techniques (extrusion, dry pressing, isostatic pressing, etc.) also require organic binders to provide strength and cohesion of the shaped ceramic product. Industrial catalysts, often shaped by extrusion only require small amounts of additives to secure the required plasticity, extrudability and also have an impact on porosity depending on chemistry chosen.

ceramic filter membranes

Purification of liquids through nano-, micro- or ultra-filtration is requiring ceramics with a well defined porosity. Those ceramics, in tubular or sheet form are also often manufactured using extrusion processes. Good plastification for an optimal extrusion is key and so is shape retention. Ashlands product portfolio offers various products as extrusion binders, which need to be chosen well for an optimal result. 

products

Emissions control and catalysts products are listed below, use the filters to find the products that meet your specific needs.

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