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Released on 14/11/12
Systems Available From 3kWh - Electrovaya Inc. (EFL.TO) today announced the launch of its lithium-ion energy storage system for home usage. The battery stores power from the grid or from solar panels and stores it for later household use.For consumers subject to time-of-use charges, the EnergyBlock can be used to store off-peak power to be used later during peak times, lowering the amount of peak-rate costs for the user. In some regions, utilities occasionally provide negative pricing to dump excess power when demand is very low, so users may actually be paid to store energy. The EnergyBlock can also store energy directly from solar panels, power in remote locations and emergency power.Systems are available in sizes from 3kWh - 20 kWh. The ideal size for most households is 7kWh, which provides several hours of power for the typical consumer."We''re expecting this product to be very popular in places like Germany and Japan as they move away from nuclear power towards sustainable alternative energy," says Dr. Sankar Das Gupta, CEO of Electrovaya Inc. "Asia is another key market, with an incomplete electric grid, and we believe there will be a large market opportunity in North America, where we''re paying twice as much for peak power and need a way to store cheap off-peak power."Electrovaya will be speaking at the Barclays Capital 2012 Global Automotive Conference on November 14th, 2012 in New York City.
SOURCE Yahoo Finance
Released on 04/12/12
Formosa Plastics Group (FPG) said Tuesday that it is cutting its reliance on China and will instead eye emerging markets in Vietnam and Indonesia, citing the low profitability in China.The announcement came as the group unveiled its financial statement for November at an investor conference earlier in the day. The group posted consolidated revenue of NT$137.67 billion (US$4.73 billion) in November, up 3.2 percent from a month ago and a 4.3 percent increase year-on-year.Hong Fu-yuan, president of Formosa Chemicals and Fibre Corp., one of FPG's four companies along with Formosa Plastics Corp, Formosa Petrochemical Corp and Nan Ya Plastics Corp., said the company will reduce its reliance on the Chinese market, adding that it remains to be seen how the new Chinese government will help improve market conditions there.Hong said a recent visit he made to Vietnam showed him that business opportunities there are immense.Vietnam imports 1.8 million tons of plastic resins a year, he noted, adding that the company is also diversifying its exports to Brazil, the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asian countries.Formosa Plastics Corp President Jason Lin said the company's products such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylate esters (AE) and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) are sold to India and Turkey.He added that the company's carbon fiber is sold to Europe and that it is in talks with American airline companies for further sales.He continued that the company's superabsorbent polymer is sold to South Africa, Brazil and other countries in South America.Nan Ya Plastics Corp. President Wu Chia-chau said his company's electronics materials are sold to Japan, while its polyester fiber is sold to Vietnam and South Asia.All four companies posted increases in their financial statements for November.Formosa Plastics posted NT$14.78 billion, up 3.8 percent from both a month ago and a year ago.Nan Ya Plastics reported NT$14.8 billion, up 4.6 percent from a month earlier and a year-on-year increase of 5.8 percent. Formosa Chemicals and Fibre posted NT$25.04 billion, up 12.8 percent from the previous month ago and an annual increase of 31.1 percent.Formosa Petrochemical reported NT$83.03 billion, up 0.3 percent and an annual increase of 21 percent.
SOURCE Central News Agency English News
Formosa Plastics Group (FPG) said Tuesday that it is cutting its reliance on China and will instead eye emerging markets in Vietnam and Indonesia, citing the low profitability in China.The announcement came as the group unveiled its financial statement for November at an investor conference earlier in the day. The group posted consolidated revenue of NT$137.67 billion (US$4.73 billion) in November, up 3.2 percent from a month ago and a 4.3 percent increase year-on-year.Hong Fu-yuan, president of Formosa Chemicals and Fibre Corp., one of FPG's four companies along with Formosa Plastics Corp, Formosa Petrochemical Corp and Nan Ya Plastics Corp., said the company will reduce its reliance on the Chinese market, adding that it remains to be seen how the new Chinese government will help improve market conditions there.Hong said a recent visit he made to Vietnam showed him that business opportunities there are immense.Vietnam imports 1.8 million tons of plastic resins a year, he noted, adding that the company is also diversifying its exports to Brazil, the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asian countries.Formosa Plastics Corp President Jason Lin said the company's products such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylate esters (AE) and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) are sold to India and Turkey.He added that the company's carbon fiber is sold to Europe and that it is in talks with American airline companies for further sales.He continued that the company's superabsorbent polymer is sold to South Africa, Brazil and other countries in South America.Nan Ya Plastics Corp. President Wu Chia-chau said his company's electronics materials are sold to Japan, while its polyester fiber is sold to Vietnam and South Asia.All four companies posted increases in their financial statements for November.Formosa Plastics posted NT$14.78 billion, up 3.8 percent from both a month ago and a year ago.Nan Ya Plastics reported NT$14.8 billion, up 4.6 percent from a month earlier and a year-on-year increase of 5.8 percent. Formosa Chemicals and Fibre posted NT$25.04 billion, up 12.8 percent from the previous month ago and an annual increase of 31.1 percent.Formosa Petrochemical reported NT$83.03 billion, up 0.3 percent and an annual increase of 21 percent.
SOURCE Central News Agency English News
Released on 15/11/12
The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) on Thursday released the results of a survey that shows that more than one in eight US vehicles has bald tyres - underlining the challenging conditions in a demand segment that accounts for 75% of US styrene butadiene rubber (SBR). The RMA study revealed that more than 13% of US vehicles have at least one bald tyre, an increase from 10.4% recorded in a 2010 RMA survey.The increase backs up the notion that US drivers are driving longer between tyre replacements, which has been felt by the tyre industry.In August, the RMA said tyre shipments in 2012 were projected to increase by about 1.2%, and attributed the modest growth to the increase in new vehicle sales. Replacement tyre shipments, however, are expected to drop by about 2%. About 75-80% of the tyre market is replacement tyres.The RMA’s next tyre shipment projection is expected to be released after the US Thanksgiving holiday next week.The RMA, in addition to being a trade organization for US tyre manufacturers, has an educational outreach program, aimed at informing the public how to better take care of their tyres.“Tyre care is critical to keeping your vehicle road-ready,” said Dan Zielinski, RMA senior vice president. “Bald tyres are dangerous and may lead to loss of vehicle control, particularly on wet roads. Checking tyre tread is easy and inexpensive to do. All you need is a penny.”SBR manufacturers in North America include American Synthetic Rubber, Ashland, Firestone Polymers, Goodyear Tire & Rubber, LANXESS, Lion Copolymer and Negromex.
SOURCE ICIS News
The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) on Thursday released the results of a survey that shows that more than one in eight US vehicles has bald tyres - underlining the challenging conditions in a demand segment that accounts for 75% of US styrene butadiene rubber (SBR). The RMA study revealed that more than 13% of US vehicles have at least one bald tyre, an increase from 10.4% recorded in a 2010 RMA survey.The increase backs up the notion that US drivers are driving longer between tyre replacements, which has been felt by the tyre industry.In August, the RMA said tyre shipments in 2012 were projected to increase by about 1.2%, and attributed the modest growth to the increase in new vehicle sales. Replacement tyre shipments, however, are expected to drop by about 2%. About 75-80% of the tyre market is replacement tyres.The RMA’s next tyre shipment projection is expected to be released after the US Thanksgiving holiday next week.The RMA, in addition to being a trade organization for US tyre manufacturers, has an educational outreach program, aimed at informing the public how to better take care of their tyres.“Tyre care is critical to keeping your vehicle road-ready,” said Dan Zielinski, RMA senior vice president. “Bald tyres are dangerous and may lead to loss of vehicle control, particularly on wet roads. Checking tyre tread is easy and inexpensive to do. All you need is a penny.”SBR manufacturers in North America include American Synthetic Rubber, Ashland, Firestone Polymers, Goodyear Tire & Rubber, LANXESS, Lion Copolymer and Negromex.
SOURCE ICIS News
Released on 04/12/12
Saudi Sahara Petrochemicals is likely to start production at its two new acrylic acid (AA) plants.The new AA plants at Jubail in Saudi Arabia will have production capacities of 145,000 mt/year and 85,000 mt/year.The company is likely to start commercial production at the plants in the first quarter of 2013, according to a Polymerupdate source in Saudi Arabia.
SOURCE ICIS News (Polymerupdate)
Saudi Sahara Petrochemicals is likely to start production at its two new acrylic acid (AA) plants.The new AA plants at Jubail in Saudi Arabia will have production capacities of 145,000 mt/year and 85,000 mt/year.The company is likely to start commercial production at the plants in the first quarter of 2013, according to a Polymerupdate source in Saudi Arabia.
SOURCE ICIS News (Polymerupdate)
Released on 16/11/12
In the wake of a facility going down in Japan, the European market is asking whether tightening supply will exert upward pressure on prices amid weaker demand Following the explosion at Japanese company Nippon Shokubai's Himeji facility in September, which saw the company's acrylic acid (AA) and super absorbent polymer (SAP) facilities shut down, the big question in the European sector is whether first-quarter 2013 prices will rise on tightened supply.Nippon Shokubai was ordered to suspend all operations at all its facilities at Himeji, including a 460,000 tonne/year AA and a 320,000 tonne/year unit for SAP, which is a feedstock for nappy (diaper) production.AA and acrylate esters demand so far this year in Europe has been relatively steady with 2011, and sources largely expect consumption levels in 2013 to be in line with this year's volumes.There is some expectation that prices will go up in January, partially because of the usual pick-up in demand at the beginning of the year, and also as some players are expecting supply shortages, as a result of the outage in Japan. Market anxiety is likely to spur some buyers into securing volumes earlier.Producers have struggled to match rising feedstock propylene costs this year amid weaker-than-expected demand and aggressively priced spot material being imported into Europe."There is already an acceptance that prices will increase in January," a producer said. "There have been diminishing margins on the monomers. Q1 will see a step-up in demand, and if the situation in Asia continues, you are going to get a tightening [in Europe]."From another producer's perspective, the supply problems are being covered by Asia. "As of today, it's more an Asian thing. It seems that Asia is able to cover the situation. The influence on other regions has not been seen. But you never know."November and December demand will go down, the producer said. "But to say what will happen in Q1 is not easy," it added. "I'm not sure of the outcome. It's all totally speculative." Consumers, too, expect significant price hikes in the first quarter, particularly if supply in Japan is tight. "If they [Nippon Shokubai] are not back up running by the first quarter, prices will skyrocket," one buyer said.However, another consumer said: "There's no reason for price increases. Europe is self-sufficient. All acrylates regions are."Most sources said 2013 will be balanced, at best, or see lower demand. "Volumes will be identical in 2013," the second buyer said.At year-end, destocking will take place, but on a smaller scale. It is not thought that there is much stock in the system. With the expectation that prices will go up, some players will avoid emptying stocks. "There is nervousness in the market. And the AA market can go short quickly," the first producer said. "There is also a big question mark about demand globally. I expect to see a bit of an upturn in January to March, but I'm not an economist. There are various different scenarios that could play out; we just don't know."Contract agreements downstream are agreed, in some cases, on a six-month basis so it may also be preferable for buyers to alter their prices with their customers in January. "To take an increase now is difficult to pass on downstream," the producer said. "If we assume that propylene will remain steady at the beginning of the year, I would imagine that there will be a sizeable increase targeted in the new year."Market players in Asia hold mixed views on price direction going into 2013. The majority of producers expect supply restrictions to continue into the new year, on the back of the incident at Nippon Shokubai's Himeji facility, pushing prices higher. The facility is expected to remain shut for 6-12 months, according to market participants.However, according to buyers, prevailing weak downstream demand will not be able to support a strong rally upwards, even though supply is likely to continue to be tight."Current prices are already at a ceiling, and it should start to slowly decline," a China-based distributor said. "The recent price increase has been too strong and fast, and prevailing weak demand will not be able to support that any further," the distributor added.November contract prices in Europe settled with increases of €20-30/tonne ($25-38/tonne). Producers were pushing for increases and said they need to regain margin lost this year. One producer said that consumers are concerned about future AA availability. It added that there is less concern about esters for now, and achieving increases at the desired level for esters proved more difficult.However, buyers - and indeed some sellers - continue to talk of sluggish demand. "Demand is not strong, it's quite weak," one buyer said. Some sources have said end-use sectors such as coatings and construction saw quieter-than-usual demand - this year and last - amid wider political and economic instability.Sentiment has been dampened by weak macroeconomic conditions, and this is likely to result in more moderate increases for the balanced-to-long esters sector.A producer that had aimed for a significant price rise in its November contracts said: "The market is so long and the market is dead, so I doubt we'll get that figure. We'll have to compromise."A producer said last month that following a year of feedstock volatility, the AA and acrylate esters market in Europe needs stability in 2013, and said there will be a focus on improving margins next year. "The word that everyone is talking about is 'stability'," it said.Earlier in the year, propylene moved up by over €200/tonne from January to April, then down by close to €300/tonne through until the end of July, then up again by €225/tonne for August and September combined.For suppliers, next year's aim is to claw back margins where possible. Yet, with visibility clouded, most industry players remain cautious and continue to keep inventory stocks carefully managed.
SOURCE ICIS News
In the wake of a facility going down in Japan, the European market is asking whether tightening supply will exert upward pressure on prices amid weaker demand Following the explosion at Japanese company Nippon Shokubai's Himeji facility in September, which saw the company's acrylic acid (AA) and super absorbent polymer (SAP) facilities shut down, the big question in the European sector is whether first-quarter 2013 prices will rise on tightened supply.Nippon Shokubai was ordered to suspend all operations at all its facilities at Himeji, including a 460,000 tonne/year AA and a 320,000 tonne/year unit for SAP, which is a feedstock for nappy (diaper) production.AA and acrylate esters demand so far this year in Europe has been relatively steady with 2011, and sources largely expect consumption levels in 2013 to be in line with this year's volumes.There is some expectation that prices will go up in January, partially because of the usual pick-up in demand at the beginning of the year, and also as some players are expecting supply shortages, as a result of the outage in Japan. Market anxiety is likely to spur some buyers into securing volumes earlier.Producers have struggled to match rising feedstock propylene costs this year amid weaker-than-expected demand and aggressively priced spot material being imported into Europe."There is already an acceptance that prices will increase in January," a producer said. "There have been diminishing margins on the monomers. Q1 will see a step-up in demand, and if the situation in Asia continues, you are going to get a tightening [in Europe]."From another producer's perspective, the supply problems are being covered by Asia. "As of today, it's more an Asian thing. It seems that Asia is able to cover the situation. The influence on other regions has not been seen. But you never know."November and December demand will go down, the producer said. "But to say what will happen in Q1 is not easy," it added. "I'm not sure of the outcome. It's all totally speculative." Consumers, too, expect significant price hikes in the first quarter, particularly if supply in Japan is tight. "If they [Nippon Shokubai] are not back up running by the first quarter, prices will skyrocket," one buyer said.However, another consumer said: "There's no reason for price increases. Europe is self-sufficient. All acrylates regions are."Most sources said 2013 will be balanced, at best, or see lower demand. "Volumes will be identical in 2013," the second buyer said.At year-end, destocking will take place, but on a smaller scale. It is not thought that there is much stock in the system. With the expectation that prices will go up, some players will avoid emptying stocks. "There is nervousness in the market. And the AA market can go short quickly," the first producer said. "There is also a big question mark about demand globally. I expect to see a bit of an upturn in January to March, but I'm not an economist. There are various different scenarios that could play out; we just don't know."Contract agreements downstream are agreed, in some cases, on a six-month basis so it may also be preferable for buyers to alter their prices with their customers in January. "To take an increase now is difficult to pass on downstream," the producer said. "If we assume that propylene will remain steady at the beginning of the year, I would imagine that there will be a sizeable increase targeted in the new year."Market players in Asia hold mixed views on price direction going into 2013. The majority of producers expect supply restrictions to continue into the new year, on the back of the incident at Nippon Shokubai's Himeji facility, pushing prices higher. The facility is expected to remain shut for 6-12 months, according to market participants.However, according to buyers, prevailing weak downstream demand will not be able to support a strong rally upwards, even though supply is likely to continue to be tight."Current prices are already at a ceiling, and it should start to slowly decline," a China-based distributor said. "The recent price increase has been too strong and fast, and prevailing weak demand will not be able to support that any further," the distributor added.November contract prices in Europe settled with increases of €20-30/tonne ($25-38/tonne). Producers were pushing for increases and said they need to regain margin lost this year. One producer said that consumers are concerned about future AA availability. It added that there is less concern about esters for now, and achieving increases at the desired level for esters proved more difficult.However, buyers - and indeed some sellers - continue to talk of sluggish demand. "Demand is not strong, it's quite weak," one buyer said. Some sources have said end-use sectors such as coatings and construction saw quieter-than-usual demand - this year and last - amid wider political and economic instability.Sentiment has been dampened by weak macroeconomic conditions, and this is likely to result in more moderate increases for the balanced-to-long esters sector.A producer that had aimed for a significant price rise in its November contracts said: "The market is so long and the market is dead, so I doubt we'll get that figure. We'll have to compromise."A producer said last month that following a year of feedstock volatility, the AA and acrylate esters market in Europe needs stability in 2013, and said there will be a focus on improving margins next year. "The word that everyone is talking about is 'stability'," it said.Earlier in the year, propylene moved up by over €200/tonne from January to April, then down by close to €300/tonne through until the end of July, then up again by €225/tonne for August and September combined.For suppliers, next year's aim is to claw back margins where possible. Yet, with visibility clouded, most industry players remain cautious and continue to keep inventory stocks carefully managed.
SOURCE ICIS News
PUBLICATION DATE 26-Oct-12
The partners are entering into an exclusive global marketing and distribution agreement on a unique biofungicide used to combat damaging fungal diseases across a range of crops.
Novozymes, the world leader in bioinnovation, and Syngenta, one of the world’s leading agricultural companies, today announced an exclusive global marketing and distribution agreement on the microbial-based biofungicide Taegro®, a natural solution with multiple modes of action used to combat fungal diseases across various crops. The two companies will join forces to bring Novozymes’ Taegro to farmers worldwide through Syngenta’s global organization.
“This collaboration matches Syngenta’s global market strength and leading position within fungicides and integrated solutions with Novozymes’ deep know-how on sustainable, biobased technologies,” says Thomas Videbæk, Executive Vice President of Novozymes. “Using technology developed by Novozymes, Syngenta will provide farmers all over the world with a biological product to help sustainably combat fungal diseases in a powerful manner.”
“We're delighted to enter into another agreement to commercialize a Novozymes technology. Having worldwide commercial rights for Taegro will further strengthen our ability to offer high-performing integrated crop solutions,” comments John Atkin, Chief Operating Officer of Syngenta.
Combatting fungal diseases with sustainable technologies
Taegro offers a biological solution in the form of a microbial-based fungicide, based on the naturally occurring Bacillus subtilis bacterium, which is complementary to existing fungicide technology. It effectively targets fungal diseases such as Rhizoctonia and Fusarium on fruit and vegetables, and its application is expected to be expanded to a wider portfolio of broad-acre crops such as wheat, soy and corn.
Companies to share task of bringing technology to market
Under the terms of the agreement, Novozymes and Syngenta will share the task of bringing Taegro to market. Syngenta will be responsible for sales, marketing and distribution, while Novozymes will be responsible for production and registration. Trials are planned to secure data to continue to build on the current U.S. registration in other regions, following which the two companies aim for a global rollout.
SOURCE
Novozymes Press Release
The partners are entering into an exclusive global marketing and distribution agreement on a unique biofungicide used to combat damaging fungal diseases across a range of crops.
Novozymes, the world leader in bioinnovation, and Syngenta, one of the world’s leading agricultural companies, today announced an exclusive global marketing and distribution agreement on the microbial-based biofungicide Taegro®, a natural solution with multiple modes of action used to combat fungal diseases across various crops. The two companies will join forces to bring Novozymes’ Taegro to farmers worldwide through Syngenta’s global organization.
“This collaboration matches Syngenta’s global market strength and leading position within fungicides and integrated solutions with Novozymes’ deep know-how on sustainable, biobased technologies,” says Thomas Videbæk, Executive Vice President of Novozymes. “Using technology developed by Novozymes, Syngenta will provide farmers all over the world with a biological product to help sustainably combat fungal diseases in a powerful manner.”
“We're delighted to enter into another agreement to commercialize a Novozymes technology. Having worldwide commercial rights for Taegro will further strengthen our ability to offer high-performing integrated crop solutions,” comments John Atkin, Chief Operating Officer of Syngenta.
Combatting fungal diseases with sustainable technologies
Taegro offers a biological solution in the form of a microbial-based fungicide, based on the naturally occurring Bacillus subtilis bacterium, which is complementary to existing fungicide technology. It effectively targets fungal diseases such as Rhizoctonia and Fusarium on fruit and vegetables, and its application is expected to be expanded to a wider portfolio of broad-acre crops such as wheat, soy and corn.
Companies to share task of bringing technology to market
Under the terms of the agreement, Novozymes and Syngenta will share the task of bringing Taegro to market. Syngenta will be responsible for sales, marketing and distribution, while Novozymes will be responsible for production and registration. Trials are planned to secure data to continue to build on the current U.S. registration in other regions, following which the two companies aim for a global rollout.
SOURCE
Novozymes Press Release
Released on 01/11/12
USA The use of herbicides in the Production of genetically modified herbicide-tolerant crops has increased, according to new research. 'Resistant weeds nave become a major Problem for many farmers reliant on GM crops, and they are now driving up the volume of herbicide needed each year by about 25 per cent, said the study's author, Charles Benbrook of Washington State University.
SOURCE Geographical Magazine / Factiva news
Released on 21/11/12
The development of China's acrylic ester sector started in the 1950s. In 2002, China's total capacity to make acrylic esters was only 233 thousand t/a, and the output was 232 thousand tons. After 2005, with the completion and startup of a number of new plants, both the capacity and output of acrylic esters increased rapidly. In 2006, the capacity and output of acrylic esters were 1.121 million t/a and 610 thousand tons, respectively, and by 2011, they had reached 1.416 million t/a and 1.163 million tons.In 2011, China had 11 acrylic ester producers (see Table 1), and the domestic capacity and output of acrylic esters achieved a year-on-year growth of 14.1% and 13.7%, respectively.In 2011, Shanghai Huayi Acrylic Acid Co., Ltd and Zhejiang Satellite Petro Chemical Co., Ltd both increased their capacity for acrylic esters, making the two companies' acrylic ester capacity rank first and second in China, respectively. During 2012-2015, a number of other acrylic ester projects will be constructed or planned for construction in China, of which major new entrants are as follows:1. CNOOC Huizhou ProjectCNOOC Huizhou Project includes capacity of 140 000 t/a acrylic acid (including 40 thousand t/a high purity acrylic acid), 100 thousand t/a butyl acrylate, 20 thousand t/a methyl acrylate, 20 thousand t/a ethyl acrylate and 20 thousand t/a 2-ethylhexyl acrylate.2. Yip's Chemical Holdings LimitedOn September 19, 2011 Yip's Chemical Holdings Limited announced plans to invest RMB300 million to build an 80 thousand t/a butyl acrylate production line in Jiangmen of Guangdong province. The production line was expected to be completed and put into operation in September 2012.3. Jiangsu Sanmu Group Co., LtdJiangsu Sanmu Group Co., Ltd successfully put its new 60 thousand t/a acrylic acid unit into operation in January 2012.4. Yantai Wanhua Polyurethanes Co., LtdOn November 25, 2011, Yantai Wanhua Polyurethanes Co., Ltd announced plans to invest RMB14.88 billion in a propylene oxide and acrylic ester integration project. The project includes a 600 thousand t/a propane dehydrogenation unit to make propylene, a 240 thousand t/a propylene oxide unit, a 225 thousand t/a butanol unit, a 300 thousand t/a acrylic acid along with a matching acrylic ester unit, and a 300 thousand t/a polyether polyols unit as well as other accessorial engineering and public engineering.B Coatings is the major sector consuming acrylic esters in ChinaAcrylic esters are mainly used to produce all kinds of polymers. These polymers have unique properties like excellent weather resistance, ultraviolet resistance, heat resistance and water resistance, and they can be extensively used in ssectors such as coatings, adhesives, textile, leather, paper-making and plastic additives. In 2011 China's total consumption of acrylic esters was around 1.16 million tons.CoatingsEthyl acrylate and butyl acrylate are the major acrylic esters that are used in the production of acrylic coatings, and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate and methyl acrylate come next. Around 80% China's acrylic coatings are water-based polymer products and the rest are solvent-based polymer products. Owing to their excellent weather resistance, transparency, chemical resistance and mechanical strength, acrylic polymers are extensively used in the coatings sector.Adhesives and sealantsIn the adhesives and sealants sector, acrylic esters are mainly used to produce emulsion pressure-sensitive adhesives and solvent-based pressure-sensitive adhesives, and the major varieties of acrylic esters being used are butyl acrylate and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate.Major varieties of pressure-sensitive adhesives in China include polyacrylate pressure-sensitive adhesives, rubber pressure-sensitive adhesives and hot melt pressure-sensitive adhesives. Polyacrylate pressure-sensitive adhesives are mainly emulsion polyacrylate pressure-sensitive adhesives, accounting for more than 65% of the total.TextilesThe varieties of acrylic esters that have the most applications in the textile sector are ethyl acrylate and butyl acrylate. Acrylic emulsion polymers are widely used in coating printing, electrostatic flocking, non-woven fabrics, artificial furs, spraying collodion cotton, carpet sizing along with the sizing of many kinds of chemical fiber fabrics, and coating processing, etc.Chemical FibersAt present, most polyacrylonitrile fibers in the world are produced by using ternary copolymers, of which the added amount of acrylonitrile, the second monomer and the third monomer accounts for 90%-94%, 5%-8% and 0.3%-2% of the total, respectively. The second monomer includes methyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, vinyl acetate and acrylamide, etc. It is expected that China's consumption of acrylic esters in the production of polyacrylonitrile fibers will change little.OthersThe application of acrylic esters in other sectors includes base materials for paper coatings, primers for treating leather, and raw materials in the synthesis of acrylate rubbers.ExportSince 2005, China's capacity to make acrylic esters has expanded constantly and has gradually come to meet the domestic market demand. The import volume of acrylic esters in China has decreased year-on-year, while the export volume has grown rapidly. In 2011 China's output, apparent consumption and net export volume of acrylic esters were around 1.163 million tons, 1.16 million tons and 3 thousand tons, respectively, and the self-sufficiency rate reached 100.2%. With the constant growth of acrylic esters output, the self-sufficiency rate of acrylic esters in China will increase.With the successive startup of a new round of new acrylic acid and ester units and the constant growth of downstream demand, driven by the rapid development of acrylic acid, China's output of acrylic esters is expected to climb rapidly. China's production of acrylic esters can soon fully meet the domestic market demand, and the net export volume is hoped to increase continually.
SOURCE China Chemical Reporter
The development of China's acrylic ester sector started in the 1950s. In 2002, China's total capacity to make acrylic esters was only 233 thousand t/a, and the output was 232 thousand tons. After 2005, with the completion and startup of a number of new plants, both the capacity and output of acrylic esters increased rapidly. In 2006, the capacity and output of acrylic esters were 1.121 million t/a and 610 thousand tons, respectively, and by 2011, they had reached 1.416 million t/a and 1.163 million tons.In 2011, China had 11 acrylic ester producers (see Table 1), and the domestic capacity and output of acrylic esters achieved a year-on-year growth of 14.1% and 13.7%, respectively.In 2011, Shanghai Huayi Acrylic Acid Co., Ltd and Zhejiang Satellite Petro Chemical Co., Ltd both increased their capacity for acrylic esters, making the two companies' acrylic ester capacity rank first and second in China, respectively. During 2012-2015, a number of other acrylic ester projects will be constructed or planned for construction in China, of which major new entrants are as follows:1. CNOOC Huizhou ProjectCNOOC Huizhou Project includes capacity of 140 000 t/a acrylic acid (including 40 thousand t/a high purity acrylic acid), 100 thousand t/a butyl acrylate, 20 thousand t/a methyl acrylate, 20 thousand t/a ethyl acrylate and 20 thousand t/a 2-ethylhexyl acrylate.2. Yip's Chemical Holdings LimitedOn September 19, 2011 Yip's Chemical Holdings Limited announced plans to invest RMB300 million to build an 80 thousand t/a butyl acrylate production line in Jiangmen of Guangdong province. The production line was expected to be completed and put into operation in September 2012.3. Jiangsu Sanmu Group Co., LtdJiangsu Sanmu Group Co., Ltd successfully put its new 60 thousand t/a acrylic acid unit into operation in January 2012.4. Yantai Wanhua Polyurethanes Co., LtdOn November 25, 2011, Yantai Wanhua Polyurethanes Co., Ltd announced plans to invest RMB14.88 billion in a propylene oxide and acrylic ester integration project. The project includes a 600 thousand t/a propane dehydrogenation unit to make propylene, a 240 thousand t/a propylene oxide unit, a 225 thousand t/a butanol unit, a 300 thousand t/a acrylic acid along with a matching acrylic ester unit, and a 300 thousand t/a polyether polyols unit as well as other accessorial engineering and public engineering.B Coatings is the major sector consuming acrylic esters in ChinaAcrylic esters are mainly used to produce all kinds of polymers. These polymers have unique properties like excellent weather resistance, ultraviolet resistance, heat resistance and water resistance, and they can be extensively used in ssectors such as coatings, adhesives, textile, leather, paper-making and plastic additives. In 2011 China's total consumption of acrylic esters was around 1.16 million tons.CoatingsEthyl acrylate and butyl acrylate are the major acrylic esters that are used in the production of acrylic coatings, and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate and methyl acrylate come next. Around 80% China's acrylic coatings are water-based polymer products and the rest are solvent-based polymer products. Owing to their excellent weather resistance, transparency, chemical resistance and mechanical strength, acrylic polymers are extensively used in the coatings sector.Adhesives and sealantsIn the adhesives and sealants sector, acrylic esters are mainly used to produce emulsion pressure-sensitive adhesives and solvent-based pressure-sensitive adhesives, and the major varieties of acrylic esters being used are butyl acrylate and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate.Major varieties of pressure-sensitive adhesives in China include polyacrylate pressure-sensitive adhesives, rubber pressure-sensitive adhesives and hot melt pressure-sensitive adhesives. Polyacrylate pressure-sensitive adhesives are mainly emulsion polyacrylate pressure-sensitive adhesives, accounting for more than 65% of the total.TextilesThe varieties of acrylic esters that have the most applications in the textile sector are ethyl acrylate and butyl acrylate. Acrylic emulsion polymers are widely used in coating printing, electrostatic flocking, non-woven fabrics, artificial furs, spraying collodion cotton, carpet sizing along with the sizing of many kinds of chemical fiber fabrics, and coating processing, etc.Chemical FibersAt present, most polyacrylonitrile fibers in the world are produced by using ternary copolymers, of which the added amount of acrylonitrile, the second monomer and the third monomer accounts for 90%-94%, 5%-8% and 0.3%-2% of the total, respectively. The second monomer includes methyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, vinyl acetate and acrylamide, etc. It is expected that China's consumption of acrylic esters in the production of polyacrylonitrile fibers will change little.OthersThe application of acrylic esters in other sectors includes base materials for paper coatings, primers for treating leather, and raw materials in the synthesis of acrylate rubbers.ExportSince 2005, China's capacity to make acrylic esters has expanded constantly and has gradually come to meet the domestic market demand. The import volume of acrylic esters in China has decreased year-on-year, while the export volume has grown rapidly. In 2011 China's output, apparent consumption and net export volume of acrylic esters were around 1.163 million tons, 1.16 million tons and 3 thousand tons, respectively, and the self-sufficiency rate reached 100.2%. With the constant growth of acrylic esters output, the self-sufficiency rate of acrylic esters in China will increase.With the successive startup of a new round of new acrylic acid and ester units and the constant growth of downstream demand, driven by the rapid development of acrylic acid, China's output of acrylic esters is expected to climb rapidly. China's production of acrylic esters can soon fully meet the domestic market demand, and the net export volume is hoped to increase continually.
SOURCE China Chemical Reporter
Released on 22/10/12
Oxis Energy, based in Abingdon, England, will be able to commercialize its lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery technology with the help of a $24 M investment from South African oil and chemicals company Sasol. Aside from cash, Sasol is also providing Oxis capability and experience in process scale-up and commercial production. In exchange, Sasol will own a minority stake in Oxis. Oxis' Li-S battery comprises a sulfur-based cathode, a lithium metal anode, and a lithium sulfide electrolyte. The battery is claimed to be able to outperform lithium-ion batteries on various parameters. The company's Li-S battery is expected to be on the market in 2014 or 2015. If the Li-S battery is adopted in the electric-car market, the battery will have to compete on performance and price against established lithium-ion batteries.
SOURCE ICIS News
Oxis Energy, based in Abingdon, England, will be able to commercialize its lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery technology with the help of a $24 M investment from South African oil and chemicals company Sasol. Aside from cash, Sasol is also providing Oxis capability and experience in process scale-up and commercial production. In exchange, Sasol will own a minority stake in Oxis. Oxis' Li-S battery comprises a sulfur-based cathode, a lithium metal anode, and a lithium sulfide electrolyte. The battery is claimed to be able to outperform lithium-ion batteries on various parameters. The company's Li-S battery is expected to be on the market in 2014 or 2015. If the Li-S battery is adopted in the electric-car market, the battery will have to compete on performance and price against established lithium-ion batteries.
SOURCE ICIS News
Released on 29/10/12
Japanese companies are developing new technologies to combat the effect of the USA's low-cost feedstock advantage in the form of shale gas. Mitsubishi Chemical is developing a new route for purified terephthalic acid (PTA), and is eyeing a plant with a capacity of 1.2 M tonnes/y. The company's latest, fifth-generation PTA route has been in use since 2010 at its plant in West Bengal, India, but has yet to run at 100% capacity because the process is very innovative. Mitsubishi Rayon formed a Saudi Arabian jv with Sabic to produce methyl methacrylate (MMA) beginning in 2014, using Lucite International's Alpha technology. The technology involves the use of methanol, ethylene and carbon monoxide as feedstocks. Asahi Kasei Chemicals' new production process for MMA also involves the use of raw materials other than C4 fractions. Asahi Kasei, Mitsubishi Chemicals and Showa Denko are developing a process for butadiene production. Japanese producers are shifting towards butadiene and propylene as ethylene comes under intense global competition from gas-based products, particularly those using low-cost shale gas from the USA. Original Source: ICIS Chemical Business, http://www.icis.com/, Copyright Reed Business Information Limited 2012.
SOURCE ICIS News
Japanese companies are developing new technologies to combat the effect of the USA's low-cost feedstock advantage in the form of shale gas. Mitsubishi Chemical is developing a new route for purified terephthalic acid (PTA), and is eyeing a plant with a capacity of 1.2 M tonnes/y. The company's latest, fifth-generation PTA route has been in use since 2010 at its plant in West Bengal, India, but has yet to run at 100% capacity because the process is very innovative. Mitsubishi Rayon formed a Saudi Arabian jv with Sabic to produce methyl methacrylate (MMA) beginning in 2014, using Lucite International's Alpha technology. The technology involves the use of methanol, ethylene and carbon monoxide as feedstocks. Asahi Kasei Chemicals' new production process for MMA also involves the use of raw materials other than C4 fractions. Asahi Kasei, Mitsubishi Chemicals and Showa Denko are developing a process for butadiene production. Japanese producers are shifting towards butadiene and propylene as ethylene comes under intense global competition from gas-based products, particularly those using low-cost shale gas from the USA. Original Source: ICIS Chemical Business, http://www.icis.com/, Copyright Reed Business Information Limited 2012.
SOURCE ICIS News