FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Polymer Products “reposition” with DuPont in March 2001?

DuPont and Protein Technologies International believe an updated business name for the industrial group better reflects the current vision of and commitment to delivering superior environment-friendly specialty chemicals, and the knowledge to bring value-added solutions to industrial markets.

How does Soy Polymers and industrial applications fit with the Ag Division of DuPont?

Soy Polymers fits with the Ag Division of DuPont very well. Soy Polymers serves industrial applications worldwide. Since the product technology is based on the functional aspects of soy protein polymers, the business unit provides an opportunity to leverage the research in genetic modification of the soybean to potentially change functional polymer characteristics to meet targeted application needs. Many of the functional change opportunities may not be available through chemical and process reaction conditions and will allow Soy Polymers an opportunity for polymer design innovation not presently available.

How is soy protein used in the paper making process?

Pro-Cote Brand Soy Polymer products are used as an ingredient in the coating formulation to provide rheology control, coverage, print properties, binding strength, thickening, and operational productivity. Pro-Cote polymers are some of the most functional coating additives commercially available to paper and paperboard manufacturers. These products impart a combination of functional properties not provided by any other single ingredient presently on the market. Even though the use level of Pro-Cote as a percentage of a coating formulation is low, the performance properties have a major impact on the manufacturers' productivity and end-product quality. The properties help the paper or paperboard manufacturer fulfill the printing and converting requirements demanded by printing systems. Pro-Cote products are engineered with a balance of properties that allow the coating formulator to optimize a coating for maximum efficiency. Our coating additives can be used in a variety of formulations to meet specific needs of equipment and machine speed. The range of solids is suitable for use in most coating and sizing equipment.

What are some of the functional properties of industrial soy protein polymers?

A naturally strong adhesive straight from the bean, soy polymers are the substances that glue together paper cones around which textile manufacturers wrap fibers or yarns.

This process highlights another important functional property: binding and adhesive strength. This strength is required in applications where heat resistance, rigidity and concentricity (dimensional stability) are imperative -- necessary qualities for moist and hot setting processes.

Another unique market for soy polymers is in water-based flexographic inks, capitalizing again on the products’ inherent heat resistance and “wettability” characteristics. No other product allows the flexo ink users the ability to print and keep ink integrity in the heat-intense environment of a corrugated box converting operation. “Wettability” describes the process of re-wetting the ink to remove it from the ink cylinder during printing.

Adhesive characteristics are also a boon to lumber yards. The naturally derived substance allows manufacturers a new, environmentally wiser way to glue small wood scraps into usable boards. Most wood glues have high levels of hazardous formaldehyde. Wood glue with soy polymers requires much less formaldehyde, and provides a stronger bond. It also sets up quickly and works with green wood, whereas others fail if not applied to kiln-dried lumber.

Soy polymer’s adhesive and stiffness properties also lend high strength to a bond - a result of its natural structural properties. In other applications like ceiling tile paint, this rigidity strengthens the tile so that even oversized squares resist sagging.

Most recently, strength is also one reason why soy polymers are being considered for the "wet end" of the paper processing cycle - they strengthen sheets made of lower quality materials like recycled fiber so that they perform more like virgin fiber paper.

Why do paper manufacturers use industrial soy polymers?

DuPont Soy Polymers products are marketed focusing on key functional attributes of the soy protein to suit a vast range of uses. The largest markets at the moment are coated paper paperboard industries. Our water-soluble DuPont™ Pro-Cote � products are used in all kinds of paper coatings for their unique properties. It makes a paper coating flow better being applied, sometimes at speeds up to 5,000 feet per minute, as well as improve the final sheet, allowing a printer to enhance graphic and print quality. Paper manufacturers often use our products to create a coating that is stiffer and is resistant to heat, so they can run the paper through processing, printing and converting machinery smoothly and rapidly.

How is Pro-Cote different from the food grades that Protein Technologies International produces?

The products marketed by Soy Polymers are specialty industrial chemicals and are not edible materials. The product technology includes reorganization of the protein molecule, graft polymerization of functional groups, and combinations with other polymers to deliver specific end-use properties. However, these polymer products are environmentally friendly, based on an abundant, biodegradable renewable resource - the soybean.

How is Pro-Cote made?

Soy polymers are manufactured from soybeans -- an abundant, renewable and recyclable resource. During the initial soybean processing, the oil and hull are removed. The remaining flakes, our basic raw material, undergo an extraction process. The extract contains isolated soy protein in its native or globular form and soluble, low molecular weight sugars.

The isolated protein molecule is highly reactive and can be chemically treated in various reactive processes to modify the protein chain to impart desired functional properties. These chemical processes are used to modify the functional nature of the soy polymer and optimize the properties for use in industrial applications. Soy Polymers' patented processing technology generates a variety of Pro-Cote grades varying in functional characteristics.

What is Pro-Cote?

Pro-Cote is the brand identification of soy-based protein polymers designed, manufactured, and marketed by the Soy Polymers Division of DuPont.

What is Pro-Cote used for?

Pro-Cote products are used as functional binders, dispersants, rheology modifiers and/or thickeners for paper and paperboard coatings as well as in certain adhesive and ink applications. Other applications needing the unique function of protein-based products may include detergents, construction adhesives, specialty coatings and laminates.

Why is paper coated?

Paper is coated to improve the surface for printing or other functional uses. The coating provides a better background for ink contrast and holdout. The visual aspects of graphics on a printed surface are greatly enhanced by the coating resulting in more print definition and appeal, as well as improvements in print press functionality. Packaging is printed to provide point of purchase advertising on a store shelf. Other functional uses can include barrier properties (grease resistance, etc), stiffness, glueability and strength or structural integrity.

Pro-Cote is an expensive ingredient in our formulation. Why is it considered such a specialty chemical, while the other components are much cheaper?

Pro-Cote products enable a total system approach to cost savings. Our values are application specific and provide quality and economic benefits in a variety of ways. Pro-Cote can provide direct savings in such was as replacing other formulation ingredients, lowering total binder ratios and coat weights. Our soy polymers also provide improved productivity through better coater runnability and higher machine speeds. In addition, we can formulate to achieve improved finished sheet quality to help create competitive advantage.

Are your products environmentally friendly?

Most definitely. Soy polymer qualities are comprehensive and astonishing; besides those already touched upon the soy polymer are a recyclable, biodegradable, renewable resource. Our goal is to have our technology considered anytime a renewable resource or a bio-based film is desired. This business is based upon a resource that is natural and biodegradable. DuPont CEO Chad Holliday calls such a goal "the nuts and bolts business reality that will be the common denominator in the 21st century." DuPont Soy Polymers helps fulfill his pledge that "we can bring our science to bear on the world's human needs while decreasing the environmental footprint of our operations wherever we operate."

What are the benefits in water-based flexographic inks?

The functionality in water-based flexographic inks capitalizes on the products’ inherent heat resistance and “wettability” characteristics of the soy protein. No other product allows the flexo ink users the ability to print and keep ink integrity in the heat-intense environment of a corrugated box converting operation. “Wettability” describes the process of re-wetting the ink to remove it from the ink cylinder during printing.

What are the benefits in ceiling tile applications?

Soy polymer’s adhesive and stiffness properties lend high strength to a bond - a result of its natural structural properties. In applications like ceiling tile paint, this rigidity strengthens the tile so that even oversized squares resist sagging.


			Frequently Asked Questions Why did Polymer Products “reposition” with DuPont in March 2001? DuPont and Protein Technologies International believe an updated business name for the industrial group better reflects the current vision of and commitment to delivering superior environment-friendly specialty chemicals, and the knowledge to bring value-added solutions to industrial markets. How does Soy Polymers and industrial applications fit with the Ag Division of DuPont? Soy Polymers fits with the Ag Division of DuPont very well. Soy Polymers serves industrial applications worldwide. Since the product technology is based on the functional aspects of soy protein polymers, the business unit provides an opportunity to leverage the research in genetic modification of the soybean to potentially change functional polymer characteristics to meet targeted application needs. Many of the functional change opportunities may not be available through chemical and process reaction conditions and will allow Soy Polymers an opportunity for polymer design innovation not presently available. How is soy protein used in the paper making process? Pro-Cote Brand Soy Polymer products are used as an ingredient in the coating formulation to provide rheology control, coverage, print properties, binding strength, thickening, and operational productivity. Pro-Cote polymers are some of the most functional coating additives commercially available to paper and paperboard manufacturers. These products impart a combination of functional properties not provided by any other single ingredient presently on the market. Even though the use level of Pro-Cote as a percentage of a coating formulation is low, the performance properties have a major impact on the manufacturers' productivity and end-product quality. The properties help the paper or paperboard manufacturer fulfill the printing and converting requirements demanded by printing systems. Pro-Cote products are engineered with a balance of properties that allow the coating formulator to optimize a coating for maximum efficiency. Our coating additives can be used in a variety of formulations to meet specific needs of equipment and machine speed. The range of solids is suitable for use in most coating and sizing equipment. What are some of the functional properties of industrial soy protein polymers? A naturally strong adhesive straight from the bean, soy polymers are the substances that glue together paper cones around which textile manufacturers wrap fibers or yarns. This process highlights another important functional property: binding and adhesive strength. This strength is required in applications where heat resistance, rigidity and concentricity (dimensional stability) are imperative -- necessary qualities for moist and hot setting processes. Another unique market for soy polymers is in water-based flexographic inks, capitalizing again on the products’ inherent heat resistance and “wettability” characteristics. No other product allows the flexo ink users the ability to print and keep ink integrity in the heat-intense environment of a corrugated box converting operation. “Wettability” describes the process of re-wetting the ink to remove it from the ink cylinder during printing. Adhesive characteristics are also a boon to lumber yards. The naturally derived substance allows manufacturers a new, environmentally wiser way to glue small wood scraps into usable boards. Most wood glues have high levels of hazardous formaldehyde. Wood glue with soy polymers requires much less formaldehyde, and provides a stronger bond. It also sets up quickly and works with green wood, whereas others fail if not applied to kiln-dried lumber. Soy polymer’s adhesive and stiffness properties also lend high strength to a bond - a result of its natural structural properties. In other applications like ceiling tile paint, this rigidity strengthens the tile so that even oversized squares resist sagging. Most recently, strength is also one reason why soy polymers are being considered for the "wet end" of the paper processing cycle - they strengthen sheets made of lower quality materials like recycled fiber so that they perform more like virgin fiber paper. Why do paper manufacturers use industrial soy polymers? DuPont Soy Polymers products are marketed focusing on key functional attributes of the soy protein to suit a vast range of uses. The largest markets at the moment are coated paper paperboard industries. Our water-soluble DuPont™ Pro-Cote � products are used in all kinds of paper coatings for their unique properties. It makes a paper coating flow better being applied, sometimes at speeds up to 5,000 feet per minute, as well as improve the final sheet, allowing a printer to enhance graphic and print quality. Paper manufacturers often use our products to create a coating that is stiffer and is resistant to heat, so they can run the paper through processing, printing and converting machinery smoothly and rapidly. How is Pro-Cote different from the food grades that Protein Technologies International produces? The products marketed by Soy Polymers are specialty industrial chemicals and are not edible materials. The product technology includes reorganization of the protein molecule, graft polymerization of functional groups, and combinations with other polymers to deliver specific end-use properties. However, these polymer products are environmentally friendly, based on an abundant, biodegradable renewable resource - the soybean. How is Pro-Cote made? Soy polymers are manufactured from soybeans -- an abundant, renewable and recyclable resource. During the initial soybean processing, the oil and hull are removed. The remaining flakes, our basic raw material, undergo an extraction process. The extract contains isolated soy protein in its native or globular form and soluble, low molecular weight sugars. The isolated protein molecule is highly reactive and can be chemically treated in various reactive processes to modify the protein chain to impart desired functional properties. These chemical processes are used to modify the functional nature of the soy polymer and optimize the properties for use in industrial applications. Soy Polymers' patented processing technology generates a variety of Pro-Cote grades varying in functional characteristics. What is Pro-Cote? Pro-Cote is the brand identification of soy-based protein polymers designed, manufactured, and marketed by the Soy Polymers Division of DuPont. What is Pro-Cote used for? Pro-Cote products are used as functional binders, dispersants, rheology modifiers and/or thickeners for paper and paperboard coatings as well as in certain adhesive and ink applications. Other applications needing the unique function of protein-based products may include detergents, construction adhesives, specialty coatings and laminates. Why is paper coated? Paper is coated to improve the surface for printing or other functional uses. The coating provides a better background for ink contrast and holdout. The visual aspects of graphics on a printed surface are greatly enhanced by the coating resulting in more print definition and appeal, as well as improvements in print press functionality. Packaging is printed to provide point of purchase advertising on a store shelf. Other functional uses can include barrier properties (grease resistance, etc), stiffness, glueability and strength or structural integrity. Pro-Cote is an expensive ingredient in our formulation. Why is it considered such a specialty chemical, while the other components are much cheaper? Pro-Cote products enable a total system approach to cost savings. Our values are application specific and provide quality and economic benefits in a variety of ways. Pro-Cote can provide direct savings in such was as replacing other formulation ingredients, lowering total binder ratios and coat weights. Our soy polymers also provide improved productivity through better coater runnability and higher machine speeds. In addition, we can formulate to achieve improved finished sheet quality to help create competitive advantage. Are your products environmentally friendly? Most definitely. Soy polymer qualities are comprehensive and astonishing; besides those already touched upon the soy polymer are a recyclable, biodegradable, renewable resource. Our goal is to have our technology considered anytime a renewable resource or a bio-based film is desired. This business is based upon a resource that is natural and biodegradable. DuPont CEO Chad Holliday calls such a goal "the nuts and bolts business reality that will be the common denominator in the 21st century." DuPont Soy Polymers helps fulfill his pledge that "we can bring our science to bear on the world's human needs while decreasing the environmental footprint of our operations wherever we operate." What are the benefits in water-based flexographic inks? The functionality in water-based flexographic inks capitalizes on the products’ inherent heat resistance and “wettability” characteristics of the soy protein. No other product allows the flexo ink users the ability to print and keep ink integrity in the heat-intense environment of a corrugated box converting operation. “Wettability” describes the process of re-wetting the ink to remove it from the ink cylinder during printing. What are the benefits in ceiling tile applications? Soy polymer’s adhesive and stiffness properties lend high strength to a bond - a result of its natural structural properties. In applications like ceiling tile paint, this rigidity strengthens the tile so that even oversized squares resist sagging.