|
|
|
1. Sector of basic polymers |
Introduction
The information contained in this report was obtained from JPLAS, the Y{J}ugoslavian Plastics Association, whom first published this article. This is mainly a translation of their work. Any errors encountered should be attributed to the translators and, not the source of the material.
Ed. IIS
The processing Plants industry infrastructure referred to in this article represent the base of the plastics industry in Serbia. Most of them were erected by the end of the 1970s and the beginning of the 1980s. The capacities of these units are sufficient for the needs of domestic plastic converters, and important residues for export.
Current capacities
Based on annual production rates of 200,000 t of ethylene, 85,000 t of propylene, 45,000t of C4-fraction, and 100,000 t of vinyl chloride monomers (VCM), the plastics industry of Serbia produces enough of these raw materials to support the production of:
|
high density polyethylene (HDPE) |
60,000 t |
|
low density polyethylene (LDPE) |
45,000 t |
|
polypropylene (PP) |
30,000 t |
|
polyvinylchloride (PVC) |
65,000 t |
During the NATO intervention here in 1999, some electrolysis and VCM plants were destroyed; this means that the production of PVC, in Serbia, is based on their ability to import VCM.
Until 1992, the petrochemical complex was realizing production rates above their nominal capacities. From 1992 to 2000 petrochemical production was interrupted, firstly because of UN sanctions, then due to NATO intervention. By the end of 1999 regular production in all plants was re-established, excepting some electrolysis and VCM plants, which were destroyed by intervention. The well educated staffs of these industrial plants have succeeded in maintaining a high quality of petrochemical products, as well as introducing new products and, enhancing the quality of existing products. This was accomplished by maximum effort on their part and, a minimum of excess inputs [investments, cash, equipment, etc]
Import
The import of plastics into Yugoslavia is free, with customs duties of 5%, on products similarly produced in Yugoslavia, and 1% for products which are not locally available. The domestic petrochemical industry only covers 40 to 60% of the domestic market requirements either due to a lack of some types of raw materials or strong competition from foreign companies.
Liquid resins
Production of liquid resins takes place in Yugoslavia in several factories. Phenolic, carbamide, melamine, epoxy, saturated, and non-saturated polyester resins are in production. Most of these are used in the inks and lacquers industry and, for the production of glues, while the plastic industry utilizes only unsaturated polyester resins and, epoxy resins in small quantities.
Production capacities for liquid resins are disproportionately large, making the possibility of export large indeed.
Compounding
Producers of PVC also consume large capacities for the purpose of compounding. They make soft and rigid PVC granulate for utilization in the plastic conversion industry, wire and cable industry, shoes and other industries.
Together with polypropylene production, compounding produces a wide spectrum of PP compounds for different applications, which contributes to the substitution of some polymers which are not produced in Yugoslavia.
top of page
|
|
|
|
|
|
