16 March 2007 – Repsol YPF has opened a pilot-scale plant for polyolefins at its industrial chemicals complex in Tarragona, Spain, which will enable it to pursue technological developments.
The company claims the R&D plant is “the first of its kind in the world” and will conduct research into a wide range of polypropylene and polyethylene.
“Its high degree of miniaturisation enables it to simulate a variety of manufacturing processes, which will serve to move ahead on the foundations for new developments in processes, technology, catalysts and polyolefin-based products,” it said.
At the plant, Repsol YPF aims to develop high-performance PP and PE with higher-than-standard properties, greater rigidity allied with higher resistance to impact, and also ultra-transparent products, enhanced-feel textiles and high strength fibres.
The company is targeting applications in the automotive industry, household goods, packaging, geotextile fabrics, hygiene materials and tough films.
