New Catalyst Technology for Biodiesel Production    

On November 1st, 2007 Rohm and Haas was pleased to accept a grant in the amount of US$752 000 through the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Program. The grant supports Rohm and Haas's development of a newly commercial polymeric catalyst technology, AMBERLYST BD20 specialty catalyst. The AMBERLYST BD20 technology allows the production of biodiesel from inexpensive low-quality feed stocks without sacrificing the purity needed in the end product.
    According to Dr. Rajiv Banavali, Process Chemicals Research Manager, Rohm and Haas, this technology is significant for biodiesel producers because it enables the use of lower cost feedstock, such as animal fats, crude vegetable oils, soap stock, and other more affordable high free fatty acid oil and fat feedstock.