Asahi Kasei Chemicals has opened a new production line for Duranol polycarbonatediol (PCD), and a second line for Duranate hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI)-based polyisocyanate at its facility in Nantong, China.

The company started commercial operation of the new Duranol line, and the second Duranate line, in November 2014 and May 2015 respectively.

Asahi Kasei said Duranol highly functional PCD features better compatibility when compared to an ordinary PCD, and allows polyurethanes to be sourced with greater softness. It has the production capacity of 3,000t a year.

Demand for highly functional PCD is expected to increase across Asia and particularly in China as a major centre in the manufacture of automobiles and consumer electronics.

Duranate HDI polyisocyanate serves as a hardener for non-yellowing polyurethane automotive coatings and other applications.

The company noted that polyurethane materials made with Duranate are also utilised as inks, adhesives, castings, and a range of other applications.

With the second production line, Duranate capacity has been doubled to 20,000t per year.

Asahi Kasei Chemicals president Yuji Kobayashi said: "Since the 2007 start-up of the first line for Duranate in Nantong, our HDI polyisocyanate business has been expanding smoothly.

"The new line for Duranol and the second line for Duranate enhance our ability to develop the market in China and other Asian countries by supplying high-performance and high-quality products for polyurethane."

Image: The opening ceremony in Nantong, Jiangsu, China. Photo: courtesy of Asahi Kasei Corporation.

http://www.chemicals-technology.com/news/newsasahi-kasei-opens-new-production-lines-for-duranol-and-duranate-at-chinese-plant-4592568