BASF expands PolyTHF capacity in Ulsan/Korea
BASF has increased the annual production capacity of its PolyTHF® (polytetrahydrofuran) plant in Ulsan/Korea from 30,000 metric tons to 40,000 metric tons through debottlenecking. The PolyTHF® plant started operations in 1998 and the capacity was expanded from 20,000 to 30,000 metric tons in 2000. BASF also produces the precursors BDO (1,4-butanediol) and THF (tetrahydrofuran) with a total capacity of 50,000 metric tons at its Ulsan site.
BASF is a leading producer of PolyTHF® with production in the United States, Europe and Asia. BASF's total annual capacity for PolyTHF® is 134,000 metric tons.
PolyTHF is an important component in the manufacture of elastic fibers, which are widely used for textile applications like sportswear, inner and outer wear. PolyTHF is also important as an intermediate for thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) used for hoses, films and cable sheathing. Further applications are thermoplastic polyetheresters or polyetheramides and cast elastomers, which are used, for example in the manufacturing of wheels for skateboards and inline skates.
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