A Key Peroxide for EVA and Composite Curing Dominates the Chinese Market
Oct 11, 2024|
View:1069
Hello! Thank you for visiting our products, we always put product quality and customer support first, if the product is right for you please contact our expert!
Ava, the team leader of Evergreen Chemicals OP expert database and the brand director of Nouryon, participated in the drafting of OP safety standards and is well versed in the global supply relationship of peroxides.
AVA
Nouryon Brand DirectorOver the past decade, TBEC (tert-Butyl peroxy-2-ethylhexyl carbonate, CAS NO. 34443-12-4, UN3105) has solidified its prominent position in China’s polymer and composite industries. With an annual production of approximately 15,000 tons in China, TBEC is primarily produced by Arkema's Changshu plant and Nouryon's Tianjin plant. Arkema's Luperox TBEC holds a 60% market share in China, followed by Nouryon’s Trigonox 117, which accounts for around 25%.
Key Properties of TBEC
Safe Handling and Storage: TBEC has a flash point of 48°C and a Self-Accelerating Decomposition Temperature (SADT) of 60°C. The recommended storage temperature is 20°C. Although TBEC is heat-sensitive, it typically does not require temperature-controlled transportation during the summer, in line with industry standards.
High Purity and Reactivity: TBEC has an active oxygen content ranging between 6.1% and 6.5%, with concentrations reaching up to 98.5%, making it a highly efficient product for industrial applications, nearing pure quality.
Product Grades and Industry Competition: TBEC is available in two grades—solar grade and industrial grade. The primary difference lies in specific internal standards driven by the photovoltaic industry’s stringent requirements. Solar-grade TBEC can be used for all industrial purposes, but industrial-grade cannot be used for solar panel manufacturing. Given the minimal cost difference and broader applicability, solar-grade products dominate the market.
Production Simplicity and Competitive Advantage:TBEC’s production process is relatively straightforward, making it well-suited for large-scale peroxide production. As end users require substantial volumes, TBEC has become a favored product line among manufacturers. While some smaller plants have attempted to enter the market, strict certifications and testing for solar applications have limited their success. Meanwhile, Arkema continues to raise product benchmarks to increase the industry’s entry barriers.
Environmental Benefits in Composites: TBEC is particularly suited for high-temperature curing of unsaturated polyester resins, especially recommended for automotive SMC/BMC components. During the curing process, TBEC releases volatile byproducts similar to those of tert-butyl peroxybenzoate (TBPB) but without generating harmful benzene compounds.
Standard Packaging and Global Demand:TBEC’s standard packaging is a 30-liter HDPE drum, containing 25 kilograms of peroxide product. Thanks to its high performance, environmental benefits, and versatility, global demand for TBEC continues to rise, particularly in renewable energy, automotive, and construction industries.
Future Outlook of TBEC in the Chinese Peroxide Market
As global solar production and advanced composite applications expand, the role of TBEC as a reliable peroxide will further increase. With Arkema and Nouryon leading in technological advancements and production efficiency, TBEC’s prospects in both domestic and international markets are highly promising.
