Dow and Evonik have entered into an exclusive technology partnership. Together, they plan to bring a unique method for directly synthesizing propylene glycol (PG) from propylene and hydrogen peroxide to market maturity.
The basis for the method, named HYPROSYN, has been created over the last few years by a team of over 100 Evonik employees. The key element is a novel catalytic system developed by Evonik researchers which allows for the direct synthesis of PG from propylene and hydrogen peroxide, in a process offering high yield and comparatively low energy consumption.
The total production of propylene glycol was 1.9 million metric worldwide in 2018. The molecule is used in the production of polyester resins and as a de-icing agent. It is also an important food additive and serves as a humectant and co-surfactant in many products in the home and personal care market.
“We are very pleased to be cooperating with Dow to bring the HYPROSYN process to market maturity. Dow is by far the largest producer of PG worldwide and a world leader in the field of material science. Dow’s technical and market experience will be invaluable in the scale up of our development” says Michael Träxler, the head of Evonik’s Active Oxygens business line.
A pilot plant is to be constructed at the Evonik site in Hanau by the end of 2020, with large-scale technical implementation to follow a few years later. “We believe that the new HYPROSYN direct synthesis technology will enable a more competitive route to produce PG with an improved environmental profile, providing us greater flexibility in serving our customers” says Andrew Jones, global business director for Propylene Oxide, Propylene Glycol, Chlor-Alkali and Vinyl at Dow.
“In addition to potential license revenue, this partnership also demonstrates how we create new areas of application for hydrogen peroxide and positions us as a preferred provider,” said Träxler. In recent years, the molecule has become established as an important oxidizing agent for chemical synthesis – not least as a result of the HPPO process for the production of propylene oxide.
Evonik is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of hydrogen peroxide, one of the two starting materials for the HYPROSYN process. The company’s 13 production sites distributed throughout the world ensure an optimal supply of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) with an annual capacity of more than 950,000 metric tons.
Source: Evonik