BASF and Petrobras to build acrylic acid complex in Brazil
24 Jul 2000
BASF and the Brazilian state-owned oil and gas producer Petrobras have signed an agreement to carry out a feasibility study for a plant for acrylic acid and derivative products.
The planned project is expected to cost around US$300 million and to have an annual capacity of 160,000 metric tons of acrylic acid and acrylic acid derivative products.
BASF also operates plants in Europe and the United States. A plant in Malaysia is to start production shortly and will increase BASF's total annual capacity in acrylic acid to around one million metric tons. Another plant is scheduled to go on stream at BASF's new site in Nanjing, China, in 2005. BASF is currently building a butyl acrylate plant at its Guaratinguetá site in Brazil.
Acrylic acid and its derivatives are used in the production of paints, textiles, plastics and superabsorbers. Superabsorbers are an important constituent of diapers and other sanitary care products.
The acrylic acid plant in Brazil, which Petrobras will supply with propane, will extend BASF value chain in the South America. Currently, Brazil imports most of its acrylic acid and acrylic acid derivatives from the United States.
BASF's Internet address is www.basf.com.
