A new generation of cost-effective polycarbonates, commercialisation of a revolutionary polystyrene and a bid for a global position in polypropylene will mark the strategy of Dow Chemical – HQ Europe: Dow Europe SA (Bachtobelstr. 3, CH-8810 Horgen) – during the coming years. Details were given at a Press Briefing in New York.

The new polycarbonates are copolymers coming from a breakthrough in technology, allowing production of a key ingredient at significantly lower cost. With heat performance said to be comparable with that of polysulphones, polyether imides and polyethersulphones, they will offer a more favourable cost, according to Scott Moore, Dow's manager for new business development.

The new polystyrene is the syndiotactic version (SPS), which has been under joint development with Idemitsu Petrochemical Co, Japan. With the highest melting point (270 C) of any single-monomer polymerisation product, it will come into commercial production during 1996.

Thirdly, the programme for polypropylene follows conclusion of the negotiations to purchase control of the old East German petrochemicals complex at Leuna, where Dow will build its first PP plant. But the plan goes much further, looking to joint ventures or licensing agreements, exploiting Dow's powerful positions in feedstock and technology.

The copolycarbonates are copolymers of bisphenol A and bishydroxy phenyl fluorene (PF) – a component which has long promised improvement in performance but has been held back because of high production cost. A breakthrough in technology by Dow, however, makes lower-cost production possible. Key properties include high heat resistance, inherent resistance to ignition without use of halogens, improved processability and better transparency and optical properties.

They will be marketed under the name Inspire, in three grades initially, with glass transition temperature from 170 to 220 C. Applications will include automotive, appliance and housewares, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, electrical and electronic and optical, medical and aerospace components. First quantities will become available during 1996.

The PF monomer behind the new copolycarbonates can also be used in other polymers, and Dow will commercialise it and other fluorene derivatives. Syndiotactic polystyrene (SPS) crystalline polymers are produced from styrene monomer by metallocene catalysts and form the basis of an entirely new family of materials. As well as high heat-stability, they show good all-round resistance to chemicals, water and steam, high dimensional stability, good electrical properties and good stiffness.

Dow and Idemitsu will offer them in normal and glass-reinforced grades, competing with liquid crystal polymers, polyphenylene sulphides, polyamides and polyesters. Planning for an independent full-scale manufacturing facility is already under way, according to Ken Van Der Wende, global project director for SPS crystalline polymers: "We plan to develop these polymers as quickly and competitively as possible", he added.

For polypropylene, Dow intends to capitalise on its growing base of in-house technology, as described by Robert L. Wood, global business vice president for engineering plastics. The first stage is to develop blends combining PP with Dow's existing range of polymers and, in a second stage, to supply products with unique performance characteristics by means of its Insite 'controlled geometry' catalyst technology.

Wood pointed out that Dow already has world-scale positions in polystyrene and polyethylene and it will use its existing strengths to do the same in PP. No decisions have yet been made on further plant locations and capacities, he added, but a key factor would be the availability of 'captive and stable' feedstocks at Dow sites and integrated production capability. An announcement on further PP strategy developments is expected soon.

READER SERVICE: Press releases on Dow's strategies, new products (PP, Inspire, SPS) and the polyurethane business: PIE-No. 38853.