TECHNOLOGY

PETROQUIM operates under the license of LyondellBasell Polyolefins and its Spheripol® technology to produce various types of polypropylenes. This technology is one of the world’s favorites due to its great versatility and the quality of the products obtained.

Spheripol® is a polypropylene production technology whose polymerization reaction is based on the incorporation of high-performance catalysts, which allow the production of a wide range of products.

Our PETROQUIM equipment is in LyondellBasell Technology Transfer Center.

Chemical Structure of Polypropylene

WHAT IS POLYPROPYLENE?

Polypropylene is a thermoplastic that is obtained by the polymerization of propylene, a gaseous by-product of oil refining. This is developed in the presence of a catalyst, under carefully controlled temperature and pressure conditions. There are three types of polypropylenes (homopolymer, random copolymer and high-impact copolymer), which can be modified and adapted for specific applications

PRODUCTION PROCESS

The process consists of transforming Propylene into Polypropylene (polymer), by using specific Ziegler-Natta type catalysts, through Spheripol® technology.

Once the desired polymer is obtained from the polymerization reaction (Loop Reactors), the product is sent to separation processes for the removal of the remaining propylene residues. Once the residues are removed, the product is sent to an additive process, where the necessary additives are incorporated to give the product the specific characteristics required for its final application.

Once that is completed, an extrusion process is initiated, and lastly it goes through a pelletizing process that results in the finished product for distribution to the market.

ALL UNDER EXHAUSTIVE QUALITY CONTROL

POLYPROPYLENE QUALITIES

Polypropylene is a true protagonist in many of the products found in every home and in different industries due to its versatility and qualities.

  • Versatility

    Since it is compatible with most existing processing techniques, it can be used in different business applications such as packaging, the automotive industry, textiles, houseware, medicine, pipelines, etc.

  • Transparency

    It has a higher transparency than the rest of the polyolefins, making it one of the most widely used materials for containers and packaging. It can even be used as a replacement for other resins.

  • Lightweight

    It is the plastic material with the lowest specific weight (0.905 +/- 0.005 g/cc), which means that a smaller quantity is required to obtain the finished product, allowing lighter parts to be obtained for its various applications.

  • Thermal Resistance

    It has a high temperature resistance, which allows it to be used in hot filling processes. This feature that allows it to be used in the microwave.

  • Recyclable

    It does not contain bleach or aromatic compounds that can affect its energy recovery

  • Mechanical Properties

    Our wide variety allows for a sturdiness/impact balance suitable for different applications

  • Water Vapor Barrier

    As it is a polarity-free material, it prevents moisture from being transferred, therefore making it ideal to protect various kinds of food.