BASF starts new production line of Ultrason® in Yeosu, Korea; Extension to serve growing global demand for high performance thermoplastic in automotive, electronics and water filtration industries; Additional annual capacity of 6,000 metric tons of polyarylsulfone benefits customers in Asia with fast response and proximity
BASF has started up a new production line for its high-temperature resistant thermoplastic Ultrason® (polyarylsulfone) at its site in Yeosu, Korea. With the new line the global annual capacity for Ultrason® will increase by 6,000 metric tons to 24,000 metric tons, serving the growing market demand worldwide. The plant in Yeosu was opened in 2014 as the first Ultrason® plant in Asia. Ultrason® is the tradename for BASF’s product range of polyethersulfone (Ultrason® E), polysulfone (Ultrason® S), and polyphenylsulfone (Ultrason® P). Latest innovations include the optimized Ultrason®Dimension, a highly filled polyethersulfone known for its extraordinary dimensional stability and excellent flow properties.
“This capacity expansion will strengthen our competitive position and drive the global versatility of our polyarylsulfone business,” said Giorgio Greening, head of BASF’s global business unit Styrenic Foams and Specialty Polymers. “The expanded production enables us to accompany our customers’ growth at a high technical level and with the optimum product portfolio.”
BASF produces Ultrason® in Ludwigshafen, Germany and in Yeosu, Korea. Both locations are designed to produce the entire product range of Ultrason® S, E and P, and provide BASF with the flexibility to optimize supply capabilities to customers around the world. “With the new line we will continue to reliably serve customers and industry partners with high-quality material. Especially customers in Asia will benefit from fast response and proximity,” said Olivier Ubrich, head of global business management Specialty Polymers. “With increasing urbanization and the growing need for clean water management, Ultrason® is the ideal material for filter membranes thus contributing to the desalination and purification in water treatment.”
Ultrason® is widely used in the electronics, automotive and aerospace industries for the production of heat-resistant, lightweight components. The thermoplastic can withstand temperatures up to 220°C without altering its properties, and possesses outstanding chemical stability. For example, it enables the compact design of the new headlight reflector in the Hyundai ix35, owing to its superior temperature resistance. The high-performance material is employed in membranes for water filtration and medical devices, in hot water and food contact parts e.g. for espresso machines or microwave-proof dishes as well as in premium household appliances. It complies with the American FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and the European regulations for food contact applications. Ultrason® is also used in the production of carbon fiber composite materials.
More information online: www.ultrason.basf.com
About BASF’s Performance Materials division
BASF’s Performance Materials division encompasses the entire materials know-how of BASF regarding innovative, customized plastics under one roof. Globally active in four major industry sectors – transportation, construction, industrial applications and consumer goods – the division has a strong portfolio of products and services combined with a deep understanding of application-oriented system solutions. Key drivers of profitability and growth are our close collaboration with customers and a clear focus on solutions. Strong capabilities in R&D provide the basis to develop innovative products and applications. In 2017, the Performance Materials division achieved global sales of €7.7 billion. More information online: www.performance-materials.basf.com.
About BASF
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The more than 115,000 employees in the BASF Group work on contributing to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio is organized into five segments: Chemicals, Performance Products, Functional Materials & Solutions, Agricultural Solutions and Oil & Gas. BASF generated sales of €64.5 billion in 2017. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (BAS). Further information at www.basf.com.
