Research & Development

Our Toolbox with manifold combinations – Your Choice for the Best Option

The Lohtragon^® toolbox of currently more than 40 cations and anions is the basis for our metal salt response to your inquiry. Our proven Lohtragon^® product range is just the starting point of nearly endless options for combinations, and therefore not exhaustive yet, and will be extended based on your specific needs and requirements.



With this modular chemical system our scientists ensure the transition from design level in our laboratories via sophisticated scale-up processes to the Lohtragon^® manufacturing process. The relevant raw materials are carefully selected considering quality, appropriateness for the solely water-based manufacturing processes, sustainability aspects and long-term availability. Ultimately your value of all these possible combinations is your Lohtragon^® product - up to your individual customer specification - matching precisely and consistently your requirements in all aspects.

The variation of chemical compositions offers extensive opportunities. In this way, tailor-made metal salts can be synthesized meeting specific needs. Various case studies demonstrate these Lohtragon^® competences.
Your Value:

• Wide capabilities in modifying chemical parameters
• High purity
• Optimized active content
• Variation of pH-value
• Improved solubility behavior
• Reduced hygroscopy and water content

Active content
Are you looking for a high content of your active component to improve the efficiency of your process?

Many processes and chemical reactions require highest possible share of an active component as it leads to a maximized efficiency and yield increase.
With our chemical expertise we customize metal salts around your active cation and anion, for example in catalytical systems.

The graph of our different Lohtragon^® Iron Sulfates gives you an insight about what is possible.
Within one product group from our standard portfolio we cover different iron contents ranging from approx. 7.5 % up to approx. 32 %.
Customized developments according to your requirements are possible, too.

• Is a high Iron content important for you e.g. in the formulation of Iron promoted activated alumina?
• Do you need a maximum of Magnesium in your process for coating catalyst carriers?
• Or do you have any further special active component requirement?

Contact us!

pH variation
The optimization of the pH-value is relevant for production processes and final products in many applications, such as: 

• Surface Treatment – Electroplating and metal surface etching
• Polymer Additives
• Energy – Electrolytes for batteries
• Sensitive aqueous formulations (e.g. adhesives, paints, textiles) and more

By varying the pH-value of a metal salt important properties of such solid materials can be optimized:

• Solubility behavior
• Decomposition temperature&nbsp
• Crystal structure and more

The showcase of Sodium Citrate demonstrates our expertise by providing the product with the same qualitative composition varying from the acidic to the neutral pH range.

Do you need a specific pH-value of a certain metal salt? Contact us!

Crystal structure
Visualization and analyzation of a product’s crystal structure are essential tools for the optimization of our Lohtragon^® metal salts. The images from our Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and crystal structure elucidation by X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD) enable us to understand product structures and to adapt the product according to requested functionalities. The three fascinating examples show how different crystal structures can be.

The modification of the crystal morphology influences an extensive range of properties, e.g.:

• Flow properties
• Solubility
• Density
• Reactivity
• Dust behavior and more

Contact us with your challenges!

Solubility
Is the solubility of a metal salt a crucial factor for your process or final formulation?

High dissolution rates are mandatory for efficient aqueous processes. For formulators of aqueous recipes, the long-term stability is crucial for a good shelf life. Optimized solubility behavior is important for an extended service life.

If your process includes aqueous solutions, you can rely on our expertise to meet your demands. The Lohtragon^®’s specialized drying and powder modification processes give you the desired rate of dissolution and an enhanced long-term stability. We give close attention to impurity profiles and can customize our products for your needs.

The exact determination of the crystal water content of a salt is very important, because it stands in direct correlation with the dissolution rate. Your product will be characterized in every aspect, using the highly advanced devices available in the analysis instrument park of Lohtragon^®.

Reduced Hygroscopic Effect

Hygroscopicity refers to the property of binding moisture from the environment. If solid substances absorb the moisture, this effect can lead to product lumping – usually undesired.

Based on our Lohtragon^® competence in optimizing metal salts, we offer solutions:

• Lohtragon^® anti-caking additives reduce hygroscopic effects in your application, such as the specially dried type of our Lohtragon^® C36
• Lohtragon^® metal salts already flow-optimized and thus more resistant to hygroscopic influences, as e.g. our Lohtragon^® V17 type with optimized flow properties

Are you facing any hygroscopic challenge? Contact us!

 
Interested in more detailed information about our chemical competences? Let’s connect.

Designing Particles – Matching Your Target

The Lohtragon^® manufacturing techniques determine the particle characteristics. The particle design and physical properties define highly important features of the Lohtragon^® solids. These features can be modified and adjusted to meet the required product characteristics and quality standards. Fascinating and at the same time leading to valuable product performances: worth to showcase a few Lohtragon^® particle design features.

Your Value:

• Wide capabilities in the modification of physical parameters
• Adapted particle design for your application
• Target-oriented developments by using extensive analytical equipment

Flowability

Having the right flow: selected Lohtragon^® products offer optimized flow properties.

The improved performance is based on specific adjustments, such as:

• Optimal particle size and distribution
• Adapted particle shape, surface texture and porosity
• Dedicated free-flow activators and more

Our Lohtragon^® K19 is one product example of our existing range that is characterized by its optimized flow properties. Benefitting from our competences in product modification and manufacturing expertise, the product shows accurate dosing behavior and lower tendency to lump compared to standard product types. Look and see the video from our rheometer!

By the way, talking about flowability: In the context of flowability, our range of Lohtragon^® free-flowing agents could be of interest, too.

Do you have any challenge or requirement around flowability? Contact us!

Surface structure
Can you imagine which product improves the mechanical properties when added to gypsum? Does the morphology give an indication about the flowing behavior?

Images of surface structures performed by our Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) support to find most suitable products.

Thermal behavior
Do you see the crystals melting? Challenge us to assess and adjust thermal characteristics for your application. Often, such physical processes are depending on the crystal structure and the chemical composition.

Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) graphs are evaluated by our technical experts in order to properly characterize the product and to assess options for further improvements.

Bulk density
Do you prefer super light versions or is heavy what you look for?

Bulk density variation: our competence necessary for your product formulation, optimized storage and processing. The Magnesium Carbonate examples around Lohtragon^® C36 illustrate our product range offer with bulk densities from super light (approx. 70 g/l) up to heavy (approx. 500 g/l).

The optimal bulk density is important in your applications with regard to:

• Flowability of the product itself, but also of a mixture
• Mixability with other formulation components
• Dispersing properties
• Dust behavior
• Wettability
• Storability
• Dissolving speed and behavior

Contact our experts to get deep insights into the possibilities of particle design.

The fine-tuning of our Lohtragon^® metal salts is completed with one of our unrivalled finishing solutions.
Your Value:

• Efficient and cost effective processing
• Improved dosage
• Optimized stability of products
• Process adapted product modification
• Health, safety & environment aspects

We offer finishing operations which allow you to select between finest particles or, if preferred, larger granules. Have you considered microencapsulation? With our metal salts in high purity water you have access to ready-to-use aqueous solutions. Or are you looking for homogeneous mixtures of solids?


For details about micronization, granulation, microencapsulation, dissolving, and blending, please request our Lohtragon^® Info Sheet for Metal Salt Finishing.

Our research and development team along with our chemical and physical competences allow us to offer customized product modifications meeting your unique requirements, all this considering the best possible sustainability approach. Challenge us!