LyondellBasell estimates, based in part on published data, the worldwide demand for PO was approximately 15 billion pounds (6.6 million metric tons) in 2010. Approximately 90 percent of that volume was consumed in the manufacturing of three families of PO derivative products: polyols, propylene glycols (PG) and propylene glycol ethers (PGE). The remaining volume went into the manufacturing of performance products, such as butanediol (BDO) and its derivatives.
PROPYLENE OXIDE
Description
Availability
Africa-Middle East, Asia-Pacific, Australia and New Zealand, Europe, North America, South & Central America
Legend
SDS - Safety Data Sheet
PSB - Product Stewardship Bulletin
Product Data and Technical Information
Corporate Statement
LyondellBasell is the world's leading producer of propylene oxide (PO), a commodity chemical used in the manufacturing of thousands of everyday products, ranging from antifreeze to cosmetics.
Benefits & Applications
PO is used to make highly versatile polyurethane raw materials which, in turn, are used in the manufacturing of thousands of everyday products. Polyurethanes are used to produce rigid foams for thermal insulation in the construction industry and flexible foams for mattresses, furniture upholstery and seat cushioning in automotive applications. Additionally, PO is a basic chemical used as a building block in the production of intermediate products, which are found in everything from antifreeze to cosmetics.
Chemical Category
Epoxides, Ethers