Chemres
Laminate in Brakpan

Chemicals and Research was established in 1976 and has grown steadily over the years into one of the major independent manufacturers of synthetic resins in Southern Africa. Chemicals and Research is now steered by a dynamic team of people from multi-disciplinary backgrounds. At Chemicals and Research, we nurture a culture of honesty and integrity. We believe that the key to our success is our focus on quality and consistency. The company supplies products to a diverse range of customers. Alkyl-phenol modified resin for a range of coating applications, etch primers and can-coating resins. Urea-modified phenolic resins for rock-wool and glass fibre insulation. Modified phenolic resin for fabric-based laminates for the electrical industry. Plasticised phenolic resin reinforcement of grinding and cutting wheels. Keto-aldehyde resin for damp-proofing of adhesives for the cardboard industry. Chemicals and Research has developed a melamine-urea-formaldehyde (MUF) adhesive system that has received widespread acclaim from industry. Prior to the introduction of the Chemicals and Research’s product into the market, curing chambers were required for successful operation. Numerous sawmills now using the product have eliminated curing chambers from their operation, subsequently allowing a reduction in energy consumption. The performance of the adhesive system was extensively researched during the development period, using the array of testing facilities available at Chemicals and Research. Research and development is key to the on-going improvement to existing resin systems. Facilities for laboratory scale developmental work is available. Products are researched extensively at laboratory scale, focusing on performance, repeatability and stability. The development cycle then proceeds to pilot plant scale where the performance of the product is tested at conditions more representative of full plant scale.The final validation is done with full plant scale resin batches. In the event that application approval is required at the customer site, this is arranged and executed at the client’s request. Information and services are readily provided to our customers as a value-add.