Bio Formic Acid
fields of application of fossil based formic acid
The development of the ecological, sustainable production route for formic acid with the OxFA process enables the drop-in of a biogenic alternative in existing markets.
Bio formic acid is a key component in the production of bio certified products.
- Animal Feed
Bio-based formic acid could be used for ensilation of forage crops for feeding animals in bio food production. Formic acid enhances a pH drop in the forage crops and restricts spontaneous fermentation and thus prevents unwanted microbial growth. The usage as soaking water regulates pH in animals.
- Other
Formic acid has a strong acidifcation effect and antimicrobial effect, which are used to protect water against bacterial contamination. Formic acid is also used in personal and home care products like cleaning agents and disinfectants.
- Coatings
For surface modification and coating formic acid can be used too.
- Rubber
Formic acid ist the first choice for latex coagulation.
- Intermediate
Formic acid is used as an intermediate for various pharmaceuticals and food chemicals, including insulin, caffeine, aspartame and vitamin B1.
- Textiles
In the textile industry formic acid is used as a pH regulating agent in dying wool, nylon and other natural or synthetic fibers. Additionally formic acid is used for neutralization of alkaline solutions.
- Leather tanning
One of the biggest users of formic acid globally is the tanning industry. As tanning needs acidic conditions, hides are pretreated with formic acid. In leather dying formic acid is used as a leveling agent for uniform and smooth dye distribution. Bio-based formic acid can contribute to the independency of fossil resources.
Liquid Syngas: an ecological carbon and energy source
Synthesis gas (syngas, a mixture consisting of carbon monoxide and hydrogen) is an important intermediate in chemical industries. Typically it is produced from natural gas in large industrial plants.
With OxFA technology a bio-based liquid Syngas equivalent (Liquid Syngas, LSG) is produced, enabling a needs-oriented release of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. In contrast to syngas production from biomass gasification processes OxFAs technology shows several advantages reaching from biomass agnostics, low process temperature, high product purities to the separation of LSG production and further processing. LSG is inexpensive, easy to handle and safe.
Our LSG is a raw material directly usable in existing processes. The OxFA release technology is capable of syngas supply according the need in variable amount and composition.
bio-based chemicals allow for a closed CO2 cycle and a regional value chain
Formate Salts
Formates salts as deicing agent on airports show a high efficiency. The formulations exhibit no negative influence on materials and nature, as they are less corrosive than conventionally available salts and easy bio-degradable.
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Fuels and Additives
OxFA develops synthetic fuels and additives for reducing emissions in combustion engines based on formic acid derivatives. In this field OxFA works together with the Technical University of Amberg-Weiden.