Antioxidants | additives feature
Antioxidants: providing protection for polymers
The growth in global consumption of polyolefins is driving a corresponding increase in demand for key property enhancers like primary and secondary antioxidants, as well as UV stabilizers. Dieter Morath, executive vice-president at Songwon
Industrial, says that demand for polyolefins is set to grow at an average of 5% per year over the next five years. “We project demand growth of antioxidants and UV stabilizers to mirror that growth,” he adds. Morath says that if the economy remains stable, then 25,000 tonnes of new capacity for antioxidants and UV stabiliz- ers will need to be added by the end of 2013 at the latest. Not surprisingly, the Middle East is a major focus for
investments for antioxidants as a result of the huge on- going expansion of polyolefin manufacturing capacity in the region. According to Adeka of Japan, the Middle East’s polymer additives market is expected to grow at about 10% per year, while consumption of one-pack systems in the region is expected to double to 40,000 tonnes/year between 2008 and 2014. Thomas Schmutz, director of business and technol-
ogy development at Chemtura says that in addition to growing polymer production there is also increasing processing in the region: “The Middle East and Africa are focusing a lot to establish a converting industry for export. Many projects are being pursued and can be expected to have an impact on the converting industry in other markets.” In addition Schmutz highlights growing demand for antioxidants and UV stabilizers in the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China).
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The suppliers of antioxidants and
stabilizers are working hard to meet the shifting demands of the polymer industry with major expansions in fast-growing markets and new
developments in efficient additive systems. Lilli Sherman reports
Adding capacity Over the past year, Songwon has been busy making investments, forging alliances and adding capacity in Asia, Europe and the Middle East. It completed a major expansion of its plant in South Korea in September last year, boosting capacity from 55,000 to 70,000 tonnes/ year. The facility is said to be one of the world’s largest dedicated polymer antioxidants plants. Its expansion involved the consolidation of Songnox 1076 hindered phenol production into the company’s new fully backward-integrated Maeam plant. In India, Songwon has formed a joint venture with HPL Additives. Announced in 2010, the JV became operational last year. Called Songwon HPL Additives, it is 60% owned by Songwon and 40% by HPL. The latter
Silage films are one of the
target markets for new
masterbatches that
A. Schulman has developed to withstand long-term outdoor
exposure
April 2012 | COMPOUNDING WORLD 25
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