ALLENTOWN, PA - Air Products and Chemicals Inc. announced the launch of a new Performance Materials Division that combines the company's specialty surfactants, vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymer emulsions, and specialty amines and curatives operations.

The division will focus on customers' requirements for environmentally friendly products and solutions, and will seek expansion into higher-growth markets while continuing to pursue growth in the coatings, adhesives, automotive, and construction markets, the company said.

The Performance Materials Division initially will consist of the following three businesses.

  • Performance Products, which will include the company's Polyurethane Additives, Epoxy Additives and Specialty Amines businesses;

  • Performance Polymers, focusing on vinyl acetate-ethylene (VAE) copolymers; and

  • Performance Solutions, combining Air Products' existing Specialty Additives product lines with new high-performance additives and solutions.

    The Performance Materials Division will remain part of Air Products' Chemicals Group, which also includes intermediate industrial chemicals.