Lucite is getting closer to commercially launching its new technology for the production of methyl methacrylate (MMA).

The company's Chief Executive, Ian Lambert, has announced that its new Alpha technology is due to be used in a plant being built in Singapore, with material due to be delivered to customers in 2008.

The new technology uses a homogeneous palladium-phosphine catalyst to create MMA and the process was first patented by the firm in 2002, having been under development for a decade.

However, it is now ready for commercial use and is set to be ready for customers by the final quarter of next year, Mr Lambert confirmed.

Lucite's Alpha process uses ethylene, carbon monoxide and methanol as raw materials, with a homogeneous palladium-phosphine catalyst being used to prompt the reaction to create MMA.

ICIS reports that the new approach to developing MMA can cut capital costs for construction by 40 per cent.

Source:

Lucite - refinanced and ready to go, 18/9/07
http://www.icis.com/Articles/2007/09/17/9062553/Lucite-refinanced-and-ready-to-go.html

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