Asahi Kasei Chemicals has completed the construction of a 2nd line at its plant in China for Duranate™ hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI)-based polyisocyanate, a hardener for non-yellowing polyurethane automotive coatings and many other applications. Commercial operation of the 2nd line began in May 2015.
Developed with original technology, Duranate™ HDI polyisocyanate is used for polymerization and cross-linking of polyurethane. Used as a corrosion-resistant coating material in automotive, architectural, and other applications, non-yellowing polyurethane made with Duranate™ features excellent mechanical and chemical properties as well as superior weather resistance. Polyurethane materials made with Duranate™ are also used as inks, adhesives, castings, and a wide range of other applications.
Stable growth in worldwide demand for HDI polyisocyanate is forecasted, with particularly strong demand growth in China as automotive ownership continues to expand and social infrastructure continues to develop. Asahi Kasei Chemicals is principally focused on the Asian market for HDI polyisocyanate, with Duranate™ plants in Hyuga, Miyazaki, Japan, and Nantong, Jiangsu, China. The expansion of the plant in China will enable the company to meet demand growth with a stable supply infrastructure in Asia, reinforcing its position as a leading supplier of highly functional materials including Duranol™ polycarbonatediol to manufacturers of high-performance polyurethanes.
Overview of the 2nd line for Duranate™
Site
Plant grounds of Asahi Kasei Performance Chemicals Corp., Nantong, Jiangsu, China
Capacity
10,000 tons/year*
Groundbreaking
October 2013
Start-up
May 2015
- Total capacity increasing to 30,000 tons/year combined with 10,000 tons/year at 1st line in Nantong, Jiangsu, China, and 10,000 tons/year in Hyuga, Miyazaki, Japan
Profile of Asahi Kasei Performance Chemicals Corp.
Location
Nantong Economic and Technological Development Area, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
Chairman
Katsuo Anzai
Paid-in capital
¥4.4 billion
Shareholding ratio
Asahi Kasei Chemicals 50%, Asahi Kasei (China) Co., Ltd. 50%
Operation
Manufacture and sale of Duranate™ HDI-based polyisocyanate and Duranol™ polycarbonatediol