Sinopec Launches 250,000-Ton Thermoplastic Elastomer Project in Shanghai

Project Overview

The 250,000-ton/year thermoplastic elastomer project in Shanghai, a joint venture by Shanghai Petrochemical and Hunan Petrochemical, has been completed and is now operational. The project marks a significant advancement in the supply capacity of high-end new materials in the Yangtze River Delta.

Technological Advancements

Utilizing Sinopec's proprietary technology, the project offers superior environmental protection, energy efficiency, and production effectiveness compared to traditional methods. It includes three main categories of styrene thermoplastic elastomers: 140,000 tons/year of SBS, 50,000 tons/year of SEBS, and 60,000 tons/year of SIS.

Construction and Production

Construction began in April 2023, with the project entering the trial production phase in October. The facility incorporates digital virtual factories and smart auxiliary systems to enhance production and operational intelligence.

Applications and Benefits

Thermoplastic elastomers combine the processing ease of plastics with the elasticity of rubber, offering green, safe, and recyclable properties. They are used in high-value applications such as infant products, medical devices, 5G optical cables, and eco-friendly artificial leather. Some medical-grade products are suitable for human implantation, indicating broad potential for future use.