[Courtesy of LG Chem]
SEOUL -- LG Chem, a chemical unit of South Korea's LG Group, will build a pilot facility for the dry reforming of methane that makes plastic using carbon dioxide and a by-product gas collected in factories. The method is a groundbreaking carbon reduction facility, but commercialization has been limited due to the problem of rapidly lowering catalyst performances.
The dry reforming of methane (DRM) method produces synthetic gas (syngas), a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, through chemical reaction between methane and carbon dioxide. Low-cost and stable catalysts are essential for the commercialization of DRM
LG Chem has acquired independent DRM technology using a catalyst with strengthened durability for the conversion of carbon dioxide. At its production base in Daesan, about 100 kilometers (62 miles) southwest of Seoul, the company would build a 1,000-ton pilot plant to verify its process technology and catalyst.
LG Chem has developed various catalysts for the production of eco-friendly products. "LG Chem is not limited to the traditional petrochemical industry structure, but makes efforts to lead carbon reduction and sustainable technology innovation in the global chemical industry," LG Chem's petrochemical business head Noh Kug-lae said in a statement on November 17.
LG Chem is fostering its Daesan base as a business mecca for the production of bio and eco-friendly materials, waste plastic recycling, and greenhouse gas reduction. In Daesan, the company produces polybutylene adipate terephthalates (PBATs) and new polyolefin elastomers (POEs).
PBAT is a biodegradable random copolymer marketed as a fully biodegradable alternative to low-density polyethylene. It is ideal for combination with other biodegradable polymers that have high elastic modulus and strength. POEs offer unique performance capabilities for compounded products and are used in automotive exteriors and interiors, wire and cable coatings, films, medical products, adhesives, footwear and foams.
reporter
Lim Chang-won
cwlim34@ajunews.com
