China’s PTT Market Has Huge Potential

By Zhang Li of China National Petroleum & Chemical Planning Institute

Polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), obtained through a reaction between pure terephthalic acid/ dimethyl terephthalate (PTA/DMT) and 1,3-propanediol (PDO), is mainly used in costume and carpet materials. A little is applied to engineering plastics and membrane materials. Analysts expect a promising future for synthetic fibers and engineering plastics made from PTT resin.

1. Domestic production has just been started.

Since the late 1990s, many domestic enterprises have started to develop technologies for synthesis, production and application of PTT fibers, but by the end of 2011 there was still only one PTT resin producer (Zhangjiagang Glory Chemical Industry Co., Ltd), which went into production in February 2008. The company boasts an annual capacity of 30 000 tons, and DuPont provides it with raw materials (PDO monomer).
   A 30 000 t/a PTT polymerization unit, designed by Shenghong Group’s subsidiary Zhonglu Technology Development Co., Ltd, was put into operation in April 2012 breaking a foreign monopoly in the Chinese market for PTT memory fiber polymerization technology.
   China consumed 26 000 tons of PTT resin in 2011, when domestic demand was mainly satisfied by homemade products. Ninety percent of PTT resin is used in spinning fibers (two thirds for garment textiles, one third for carpets); the remaining 10% goes into engineering plastics and membranes.
   PTT fibers are superior to PET, PA6 and PA66 in performances like rebound resilience and “hand,” and therefore are widely used in fabrics. PTT memory fabrics are most popular in the domestic market. And due to their unique contribution to a garment’s appearance and their ease of maintenance, they are favored by enterprises that are engaged in manufacturing windbreakers, men's jackets, women's fashions, etc. Furthermore, high added value is another advantage of PTT memory fabrics.
   Perfect raw material for producing synthetic fiber carpets, PTT fibers have stain resistance and an antistatic property besides fluffiness and rebound resilience. There is no need for dyeing carriers or pressure dyeing equipment when using PTT fibers, thus reducing both pollution and costs. The PTT fabrics sector is predicted to develop rapidly.

2. Raw materials are important.

China’s PTT demand has huge potential, and price is the key to realizing that potential. Competitive prices for raw material PDO could make PTT a major chemical fiber material. Therefore, PTT producers should ensure stable PDO sources. The PDO bio-fermentation technology, developed by Tsinghua University, has been adopted rapidly in recent years and many enterprises have constructed new units using this technology, which is expected to alleviate the current PDO shortage.