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| Phosgene-free polycarbonate process |
| The non-phosgene process for polycarbonate (PC) production developed by Asahi Kasei is the world's first to use carbon dioxide as a starting material. PC is conventionally produced using the hazardous carbon monoxide, phosgene, and methylene chloride as process materials. The new process not only eliminates the hazards associated with the use of these materials, but also features high productivity and yield, extremely little by-product, less contaminated process water requiring treatment, and low impurities in product PC. High-purity ethylene glycol (EG) is a coproduct of of the process. |
Safety and ecology |
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Phosgene-free process. |
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Methylene chloride-free (solvent-free) polymerization. |
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Incorporation of CO2 into the main chain. |
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Waste-free (high selectivity and yield) process. |
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No need for PC purification or separation. |
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Energy-saving EG processing with no need for water separation. |
Product features |
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High-performance PC: High purity, impact strength, heat resistance, good color, good processability. |
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High-purity EG: No diethylene glycol (DEG) formation. |
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The Asahi Kasei PC process is competitive with conventional phosgene processes throughout the range of product molecular weights.
PC applications |
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Electrical and electronic equipment |
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Automotive parts and accessories |
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Medical devices |
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Glazing for buildings |
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Optical media |
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| Licensee |
Location |
Capacity |
Start-up |
| Chimei-Asahi Corp. |
Tainan, Taiwan |
65,000 t/y |
2002 |
| Chimei-Asahi Corp. |
Tainan, Taiwan |
75,000 t/y |
2006 |
| Cheil Industries Inc. |
Yeosu, Korea |
65,000 t/y |
2008 |
| Honam Petrochemical Corp. |
Yeosu, Korea |
65,000 t/y |
2008 |
| OAO Kazanorgsintez |
Kazan, Russia |
65,000 t/y |
2008 |
| Saudi Kayan Petrochemical Co. |
Jubail, Saudi Arabia |
260,000 t/y |
2009 |
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Chimei-Asahi PC plant in Taiwan. |
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Japanese 
