Asahi Kasei expanding capacity for HDI-based polyisocyanate

Construction will begin later this year on the 10,000 t/y HDI polyisocyanate plant, increasing Asahi Kasei’s total capacity to 30,000 t/y. The new facility is scheduled to come on stream in early 2015.

Used as a corrosion-resistant coating material in automotive, architectural, and other applications, non-yellowing polyurethane made with Duranate features good mechanical and chemical properties as well as superior weather resistance, says the company. 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 forecast, 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 existing Duranate plants in Hyuga (10,000 t/y), Miyazaki, Japan, and Nantong (10,000 t/y), Jiangsu, China. The expansion of the plant in China will reinforce the company’s position in Asia while enabling further expansion of supply to other markets throughout the world.

(Syed Rashid Ali, Karachi, Pakistan)