Dec 1 2005
LG Chem, Ltd. has announced that it developed a new environment-friendly process to mass-produce terephthalaldehyde (TPAL).
TPAL is an organic synthesis intermediate for dyestuffs, pharmaceuticals, specialty polymers, electronic materials, and at present it is mostly used to produce fluorescent whitening agents.
The existing TPAL production process involves chlorination of para-xylene and hydrolysis of the chlorinated xylene. The process is harmful to the environment as it uses chlorine as a reactant and emits hydrochloric acid as a by-product. Another problem with the existing process is that it is not cost effective enough to mass-produce. Currently, China and India are major producers.
LG Chem's new manufacturing process resolved these problems by using air instead of chlorine, thus making the process environment-friendly. Furthermore, LG Chem lowered production cost by implementing its own high performance catalyst and optimized the overall production process.
The company's ability to mass-produce, could cut the price of TPAL down to more than half of its current price, broadening its usage and opening a wider market for the product. One of many applications where TPAL can be used is in specialty fibers for protective fabrics such as bulletproof vests, flame retardant clothes and space suits.
"The new process holds great significance as it is both environment-friendly and cost effective," said Jong-Kee Yeo, President and CTO of LG Chem.
Overall, LG Chem has already applied for several patents and currently waits for approvals from the U.S, Japan, Germany and nine other countries. Future plans for the company are to sell its technology license and start mass production by 2008.
http://www.lg.co.kr