Asahi Kasei Chemicals has completed the construction of a plant in China for Duranol polycarbonatediol (PCD), an intermediate for high-performance polyurethanes, and began its commercial operation.

PCD is used to make high-performance polyurethanes with characteristics such as exceptional heat resistance and water resistance. Demand for PCD is growing throughout the world as the polyurethane market increasingly shifts toward higher-performance. A highly functional PCD developed by Asahi Kasei Chemicals, Duranol features greater compatibility than ordinary PCD and enables polyurethanes to be obtained with greater softness than is possible with ordinary PCD. Duranol has the leading share of the Asian PCD market for polyurethanes for synthetic leather in automotive interiors, polyurethane coatings, and UV-curable polyurethanes. Demand for highly functional PCD is forecasted to continue to grow briskly throughout Asia and especially in China as a major center for manufacturing automobiles and consumer electronics.

Asahi Kasei Chemicals’ first plant for Duranol is located in its Mizushima Works, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan. The new plant in China will enable the company to meet demand growth with a stable supply infrastructure in Asia, reinforcing its position as a leading supplier of highly functional materials to manufacturers of high-performance polyurethanes, including Duranate™ HDI-based polyisocyanate.