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Propylene: Production and Application of a Versatile Raw Material

Propylene, also known as propene, is one of the most important petrochemical compounds, produced in large quantities worldwide. This versatile raw material is indispensable in numerous industrial applications. In this article, you will learn how propylene is produced and what its key uses are.

Production of Propylene:

Propylene is primarily obtained through steam cracking of hydrocarbons. In this process, feedstocks such as ethane, naphtha, or propane are broken down at high temperatures (over 800°C). This results in the formation of ethylene, propylene, and other byproducts.

Another important method for producing propylene is fluid catalytic cracking (FCC), mainly used in refineries to process crude oil. In this process, heavier hydrocarbons are broken down into smaller molecules such as propylene and ethylene. Alternatively, propane dehydrogenation (PDH) can be used, where propylene is obtained by thermally and catalytically removing hydrogen from propane.

Applications of Propylene:

Propylene is an extremely versatile raw material and is used in many industrial sectors. The most important use of propylene is in the production of polypropylene. This thermoplastic is used in countless products, from packaging and automotive parts to textiles and medical devices. Thanks to its strength and chemical resistance, polypropylene is one of the most in-demand plastics worldwide.

In addition to polypropylene, propylene is also used in the production of acrylic fibers, alcohol chemicals (such as isopropanol), propylene oxide (a precursor to polyurethanes), and acrylic acid. These chemical derivatives are found in the construction industry, automotive manufacturing, household products, as well as in paints and coatings.

An increasingly important area for propylene is the pharmaceutical industry, where it is used in the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients and carrier materials.

Conclusion:

Propylene is a key raw material in the chemical industry with a wide range of applications. Efficient production and responsible use of this substance are essential to ensuring the sustainability and future viability of the industry. With the growing demand for polypropylene and other propylene-based products, the importance of this chemical building block will continue to rise in the future.