By: Franyi Sarmiento, Ph.D., Inspenet, August 19, 2022
Scientists from South Ural State University (SUSU) are working with an industrial partner to create a new branch of the chemical industry in the Chelyabinsk region of Russia.
Within the Ural Research Center project, they plan to introduce a new green technology for polyurethane production and build a plant in the Chelyabinsk region that will provide high-tech jobs for chemists, chemical technologists and environmentalists.
SUSU started cooperation with the Modern Insulation Technologies plant, which produces thermally insulated pipes for heat pipes for housing and communal services, as well as for oil and gas transportation. Polyurethane foam is used for pipe insulation.
Polyurethane is the most widespread polymer in the world and is used to manufacture a wide range of products in a variety of industries: clothing, footwear, furniture and thermal insulation.
“Three countries are the world’s largest producers of polyurethane: Germany, the U.S. and China, but now imports from the U.S. and Europe have been suspended, and China’s exports will not be able to cover all the market needs,” said Professor Vyacheslav Avdin, Ph.D. in chemical sciences.
“Russia is a big market for this material, and the Chelyabinsk region is the largest consumer in our country. The Chelyabinsk region accounts for 50,000 tons of the 250,000 tons of polyurethane consumed in Russia. Polyurethane foam consumption is mainly for construction materials and the production of thermally insulated pipes,” Avdin added.
SUSU scientists suggest a technology that does not use phosgene, i.e. isocyanate-free production. The technology has proven effective in laboratory conditions, but has not yet been used in real-world applications.
This material from zonadepinturas.com was edited for clarity, style and length.
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