Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. (MCI; Tokyo; www.mitsuichem.com) announced that it intends to begin production for alpha-methylstyrene (α-methylstyrene) at Singaporean subsidiary Mitsui Phenols Singapore Pte. Ltd. (MPS). Located at Jurong Island, Singapore, MCI intends to produce 20,000 metric tons per year (m.t./yr) of α-methylstyrene with construction of the new facility tentatively scheduled for completion in May 2020.
Formed as a byproduct during phenol production, α-methylstyrene is an aromatic compound that sees use as a raw material in the likes of resins and additives. Demand for the compound is strong as a result of global economic growth, with a particular expansion of applications coming in response to increasing performance needs for acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin and petroleum resin.
Mitsui Chemicals already has a world-leading level of production capacity for α-methylstyrene in Japan. By also beginning production in Singapore, the company intends to construct a more stable system for global supply.
This will enhance a three-base network comprising Japan, Singapore and China. Going forward, Mitsui Chemicals will use this network to further strengthen and expand its phenol chain business into one with a truly global presence.