Evonik raises production of PA12 at Marl site

ESSEN–Evonik Industries is expanding production capacity for polyamide 12 (PA12) at its Marl Chemical Site. Capacity will be raised by 5,000MT for its Vestamid high performance polymer material. In addition, preparations have begun for increasing the production of Vestosint polyamide powder.

To further enhance production, Evonik has developed an improved conventional process for producing PA12. Significant progress was also made in the development of a butadiene- and CDT-free route.

For almost 50 years, Evonik has operated a fully backward integrated plant for production of PA12 at Marl Chemical Site, starting from butadiene, all the way through all precursors to the polymer. Originally a batch operation, the production facility was expanded to include continuous plants in the year 2000. The new expansion aims to adapt to the market needs. Powder capacities have also been continually increased.

Evonik is also developing various technologies for the precursors of polyamide 12. It has also taken the biosynthetic route based on palm kernel oil—free from butadiene and cyclododecatrien (CDT)—which is far advanced. The process results in w-amino lauric acid, an alternative to petroleum-based laurinlactam, and yields an identical polyamide 12. The initial batches of polyamide from this precursor have already been successfully processed to pipes and tested. Samples for customer tests will be available soon. The process offers several advantages: 100% renewable raw materials as a basis for polyamide 12, identical product properties, and a simpler production process.

Further results from the pilot plant, which has been operating for over a year, will be the basis for the selection of the process for the next capacity expansion of PA12.EQT Support Boost