Yantai Wanhua Launches World's Largest Single-Line TPU Production Line: A Breakthrough in Polymer Technology

‍The new TPU production line, which is part of Yantai Wanhua's broader expansion plans, is set to increase the company's TPU capacity to 21 million tons per year. This includes the construction of three polyol production lines and two TPU lines, with a production scale of 40,000 tons per year for polyethylene polyol and 50,000 tons per year for TPU.

TPU, known for its high strength, toughness, and resistance to wear and oils, is a key material in the transformation and upgrading of high-end manufacturing industries. It is widely used in various sectors, including daily necessities, sports equipment, toys, and decorative materials. The material's chemical structure, which includes a high molecular weight polyol and a diol with 2 to 12 straight-chain carbon atoms, is linked by diisocyanate, allowing for reversible cross-linking at different temperatures.

The production of TPU can be achieved through two main methods: solvent-free bulk polymerization and solution polymerization. The one-step process and prepolymer method are the two variations of bulk polymerization, with the latter offering superior product performance due to fewer side reactions.

TPU's versatile properties, such as a broad range of hardness, high mechanical strength, excellent processing capabilities, outstanding cold resistance, and high wear resistance, have made it a popular choice across various industries. It is now widely used in shoe materials, clothing, tubing, films and sheets, cables, automotive, construction, healthcare, defense, and sports and leisure.

The global TPU market is expected to grow rapidly, with a compound annual growth rate of around 10% over the next five years, reaching a consumption volume of approximately 900,000 tons by 2026. This growth is driven by the expanding demand and technological innovations that are accelerating the industry's development.

Yantai Wanhua's latest achievement in TPU production is not only a testament to the company's technological prowess but also a significant contribution to the global chemical industry. As the company continues to invest in research and development, the future of TPU looks promising, with potential applications in engineering, mining, medical, and other high-value sectors.