The Growth of Top 15 Petrochemicals Industry

 

Top 15 Petrochemicals

1-Ethylene

Ethylene or ethene is the world's most important basic petrochemical, serving as the starting material for a wide range of industrial chemicals and consumer products. It is mainly used in the production of polyethylene to make plastic products like shrink wrap, sandwich bags, trash bags and other household items. Other uses include antifreeze, polyethylene terephthalate for plastic bottles, synthetic fibers like fleece clothing and polyester fillings for pillows and cushions. The United States is currently the world's largest producer and consumer of ethylene.

2-Propylene

Propylene or propene is the second largest Top 15 Petrochemicals in terms of demand after ethylene. Its main derivatives are polypropylene, propylene oxide, and acrylonitrile. Polypropylene is used to produce an array of products from plasticfood containers and car parts to fiber for carpets and clothing. Propylene oxide is combined with propylene glycol to produce polyester fibers and resins. Acrylonitrile is polymerized into acrylic fibers used for clothing, furnishings and thermal insulation. Propylene production benefits from the integration with steam crackers and its ability to be processed from light cracker streams.

3-Benzene

Benzene belongs to the important group of petrochemicals known as aromatic hydrocarbons. It is mainly used to produce cumene, which is hydrated to produce phenol and acetone. Phenol is employed to synthesize bisphenol A and resins for plastics, adhesives, coatings and fibers. Acetone is used as a chemical intermediate and solvent. Ethylbenzene is another significant derivative that is dehydrogenated to styrene monomer for polystyrene plastics and synthetic rubbers. Benzene is also directly used as a solvent and in the synthesis of various chemical intermediates like nylon and maleic anhydride.

4-Xylene

Xylenes are aromatic hydrocarbon compounds produced from petroleum crude oil. The three xylene isomers - ortho-xylene, meta-xylene, and para-xylene account for over 90% of xylene production. Para-xylene is the most commercially important isomer used primarily to manufacture terephthalic acid, which is further processed to make polyethylene terephthalate (PET) for plastic bottles and polyester fiber. Meta-xylene and ortho-xylene are converted to phthalic anhydride used in plasticizers, resins and dyes. Xylene is also utilized in solvent applications such as thinners for paints and lacquers.

5-Ethylene Glycol

Ethylene glycol is a major chemical commodity used in a wide variety of industrial and consumer goods. Its key application is in the production of polyester fibers and resins by reacting with terephthalic acid. This includes apparel fabrics, home furnishings and packaging materials. Ethylene glycol is also reacted with adipic acid to manufacture polyester polyols used in spandex fibers, foam cushions and elastic fibers for diapers. Other major uses are as an antifreeze for vehicles and deicing solution for airports. It also serves as an important solvent for coatings and resins.

6-Methanol

Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol, wood alcohol or wood spirit, is a light, volatile and colorless liquid produced from synthesis gas derived from natural gas, coal or renewable biomass. Key derivatives of methanol include formaldehyde, acetic acid and methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE). Formaldehyde resins are used in the production of urea-formaldehyde resins for particleboard and wood materials. Acetic acid is utilized to make vinegar, polyester fibers and plastics. Methyl tert-butyl ether is added to gasoline to increase its octane rating. Methanol is also blended into motor gasoline or directly used as fuel. Further derivatives comprise methylamines and methyl methacrylate.

7-Benzene, Toluene, Xylene (BTX)

Benzene, toluene, and xylenes or BTX aromatics are extracted together as liquid fractions from various refinery processes. Benzene and xylenes have already been discussed separately earlier. Toluene finds applications in the manufacture of benzene through the methylation process, toluene diisocyanate for polyurethane foams and coatings, and toluene diamine for flexible polyurethane foams. It is also directly used as a solvent for coatings, inks and adhesives. BTX aromatics as a combined stream find extensive use as chemical feedstocks and in blending into motor gasoline to enhance its octane rating.

8-Paraxylene

Paraxylene ranks as a very important Top 15 Petrochemicals feedstock, accounting for a significant chunk of global aromatic demand. It is used primarily for manufacturing terephthalic acid through oxidation, which in turn forms the building block for polyethylene terephthalate (PET). PET is employed to produce plastic bottles, packaging films, fibres and engineered polymers. The United States tops in paraxylene production and export. Paraxylene plants are commonly integrated with modern complex crackers to utilize the light streams efficiently. Emerging asian markets are key growth drivers of paraxylene demand.

9-Polyethylene

Polyethylene or polythene is the most widely produced synthetic plastic polymer. Low-density and linear low-density polyethylene grades are used for a variety of flexible film and sheet applications like packagingfilm, plastic bags and shrink wrap. Polyethylene terephthalate resins and films have important non-food packaging applications such as beverage bottles. Molded high-density polyethylene products include buckets, crates, drums and toys. Expandable polyethylene foam beads are utilized in molded packaging and cushioning. Polyethylene waxes impart slip, abrasion resistance and process aids. The US, China, Western Europe dominate global polyethylene capacity.

10-Polypropylene

Polypropylene belongs to the family of polyolefin thermoplastics and elastomers derived from propylene monomer. Homopolymer polypropylene resins find applications as containers, automotive components, consumer products and fibers

Get More Insights on- Top 15 Petrochemicals