International. Scientists at South Ural State University (SUSU) are working with an industrial partner to create a new branch of the chemical industry in the Chelyabinsk region, Russia.
Within the Ural Research Center project, it is planned to introduce a new green technology for polyurethane production and build a plant in the Chelyabinsk region that will provide high-tech jobs for chemists, chemical technologists and environmentalists.
Cooperation with the plant of modern insulation technologies
SUSU began cooperating with the Modern Insulation Technologies plant, which produces thermally insulated pipes for heat pipes of homes and communal services, as well as for the transportation of oil and gas. Polyurethane foam is used for pipe insulation.
Polyurethane is the most widespread polymer in the world and is used to manufacture a wide range of products in a variety of industries: clothing, footwear, furniture and thermal insulation.
"Three countries are the largest producers of polyurethane in the world: Germany, the US and China, but now imports from the US and Europe have been suspended, and exports from China will not be able to cover all the needs of the market," said Professor Vyacheslav Avdin, PhD in Chemical Sciences.
"Russia is a big market for this material, and the Chelyabinsk region is the largest consumer in our country. The Chelyabinsk region accounts for 50,000 tons of the 250,000 tons of polyurethane consumed in Russia. The consumption of polyurethane foam is mainly directed at construction materials and production of thermally insulated pipes," Avdin added.
Isocyanate-free production technology
SUSU scientists suggest a technology that does not use phosgene; that is, isocyanate-free production. The technology has proven effective under laboratory conditions, but has not yet been used in real-world applications.
Scientists must transfer production from laboratory conditions to plants. In addition, they plan to use locally produced raw materials to make the technology independent of imports.
"Our partner company has an area prepared for the construction of the plant; this is a very difficult job that requires external specialists. The university is conducting a scientific study on the possibilities of applying this technology in production," Avdin said.
"It is the first step in creating a new industry in the Chelyabinsk region and new jobs in the region. It is an undoubted advantage that this form of production will not harm the environment," he added.
The project is included in the portfolio of the Interregional Center for Ural Research and Education for Advanced Industrial Technologies and Materials and a new SUSU laboratory will be opened to work on its implementation.
Compliance with the project will improve the quality and level of training of specialists in chemistry, chemical technology, energy and resource conservation and ecology, and expand the scope and level of scientific research.
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