On December 20th, Sinopec announced that it had successfully put into operation the first domestic propylene based elastomer (PBE) pilot plant at its scientific experimental base in Tianjin. This measure not only marks the full operation of the first phase project of the base, but also a new milestone for China’s high-end development in the synthetic materials industry chain.

Acrylic based elastomers (PBE), as a high-performance polymer material, have excellent elasticity and good compatibility with polypropylene. They have broad application prospects in various fields such as manufacturing and construction Its unique performance advantages, such as lightweight, high temperature resistance, wear resistance, etc., make it an ideal choice to meet various high-end application needs and occupy an important position in the field of modern chemical new materials.

For example, in the field of automobile manufacturing, PBE can be used to manufacture seals, shock absorbers, and other automotive components. Its excellent elasticity and weather resistance can effectively improve the performance and service life of automobiles; In the construction industry, PBE can be used to prepare high-performance waterproof materials and sealants, providing better waterproofing and sealing effects for buildings.

1. The domestic development history of PBE based propylene elastomer

The research on propylene based elastomers started relatively late in China, but has developed rapidly in recent years. In the early days, China mainly relied on imported products in the PBE field, with foreign companies such as ExxonMobil, Dow, and Mitsui occupying a dominant position in this field. Their PBE products were widely used in China’s high-end market, and most of the domestic market demand was also occupied by these imported products.

With the increasing emphasis on the field of chemical new materials and the continuous increase in scientific research investment in China, domestic research institutions and enterprises have begun to increase their research and development efforts in PBE. After years of effort, China has made a series of important breakthroughs in the synthesis technology and catalyst research and development of PBE. Among them, Sinopec Beijing Institute of Chemical Technology (Beijing Institute of Chemical Technology) has played an important role in the research and development of PBE. After years of overcoming difficulties, it has independently developed solution polymerization technology and catalysts, and successfully applied them to the first propylene based elastomer pilot plant in China.

2. Technological innovation supports industrialization development

The pilot stage is a key link from laboratory research and development to industrial application, and the first domestic propylene based elastomer pilot plant put into use by Sinopec is of great significance. The pilot plant adopts the solution polymerization technology and catalyst independently developed by Beihua Institute, which brings many advantages to the industrial development of PBE.

In terms of production efficiency, compared with traditional polymerization techniques, solution polymerization technology has higher reaction rates and better controllability, which can significantly improve the production efficiency of PBE and reduce production costs. At the same time, independently developed catalysts have higher activity and selectivity, which can effectively improve the quality and performance stability of products, providing strong guarantees for the production of high-quality PBE products.

More importantly, by independently developing and mastering core technologies, Sinopec has successfully broken the foreign technology monopoly, filled the domestic technological gap in the PBE field, and taken an important step in the global innovation and upgrading trend. From a broader perspective of technological development trends, the world is currently in a white hot stage of technological competition, with countries increasing their investment in technology research and development to seek competitive advantages in the international market. The breakthrough of Sinopec in the field of propylene based elastomers conforms to this trend, enhances the core competitiveness of the enterprise through technological innovation, and injects new impetus into the high-quality development of China’s chemical industry.

3. Reform and innovation drive industrial upgrading

The implementation of this project by Sinopec fully reflects its firm determination to implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, and is also a positive response to the requirements of high-quality development in our country. As a directly affiliated research institution of Sinopec, Beihua Institute has always been in a leading position in the field of chemical new materials and has achieved multiple technological breakthroughs in recent years.

The technological innovation achievements of Beihua Institute not only meet the urgent demand for high-performance polymer materials in key fields such as aerospace, rail transit, and new energy in China, but also provide strong technical support for the industrial upgrading of Tianjin and even the whole country. For example, in the aerospace field, high-performance synthetic resins and elastomer materials developed by Beihai Institute are widely used in aircraft structural components, interior parts, etc., effectively improving the performance and safety of aircraft; In the field of rail transit, the newly developed synthetic rubber material is used to manufacture shock absorption components and seals for high-speed trains, providing guarantees for the smooth operation and comfort of high-speed trains.

By establishing a pilot platform with independent intellectual property rights, China’s synthetic materials industry chain will accelerate towards high-end development. This will not only help promote the optimization and transformation of the economic structure, improve the overall economic efficiency and competitiveness of China’s chemical industry, but also further enhance China’s position in global technological competition, laying a solid foundation for China to move from a chemical power to a chemical powerhouse.

4. Empowering technology to cope with global competition

Against the backdrop of weak global economic recovery and complex international trade situations, technological innovation has become a key factor for enterprises to stand out in global competition. The commissioning of Sinopec’s first propylene based elastomer pilot plant has established an innovative ecosystem integrating research and development, production, and application in this field, giving the enterprise a competitive edge in the international market.

At the same time, the second phase plan of the Beijing Institute of Chemical Technology Tianjin Science and Technology Experimental Base focuses on cutting-edge fields such as fine chemicals and environmental protection technology. This layout demonstrates Sinopec’s precise grasp of the future direction of chemical material research and development, as well as its strategic vision to cope with global market competition. The development of the fine chemical industry will help improve the added value and refinement level of China’s chemical products, and meet the demands of the high-end market; The research and development of environmental protection technology is in line with the global trend of sustainable development, which can effectively reduce environmental pollution in chemical production processes, enhance corporate social responsibility and market competitiveness.

By continuously investing in research and development resources, Sinopec will continue to expand its technological boundaries, achieve more innovative results in the field of chemical new materials, and win greater development space for China’s chemical industry in global competition. For example, in the future, high-performance and multifunctional PBE composite materials can be further developed to expand their applications in emerging fields such as electronic information and biomedicine, promoting the integration and development of China’s chemical industry with other high-tech industries.

The successful operation of Sinopec’s first propylene based elastomer pilot plant is a major breakthrough in China’s new chemical materials field, which is of great significance for enhancing the competitiveness of state-owned enterprises in the global chemical market, promoting the construction of an innovative country, and promoting high-quality economic development In the future, with the continuous advancement of technology and the deepening expansion of applications, we look forward to seeing more innovative products based on propylene based elastomers emerge, promoting the development of the entire chemical industry towards higher quality and more sustainable directions. At the same time, the success of this project has set an example for many related domestic enterprises, inspiring them to increase their innovation and exploration efforts, and jointly helping China’s long-term development in the global chemical industry.

Article source: www.xianjichina.com

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