New cost reducing, resource conserving process unveiled to manufacture MMA

11-Oct-08

German industrial group, Evonik Industries has developed a new, pioneering manufacturing process for methyl methacrylate (MMA) under the name AVENEER. The new process is expected to increase the competitveness of future methyl methacrylate monomers and polymers. Like the traditional ACH sulfur process, AVENEER is based on the starting materials ammonia, methane, acetone and methanol - without the additional use of sulfuric acid. The omission of the reprocessing of sulfuric acid saves costs, conserves resources enabling the MMA manufacturers to remain competitve. Evonik has already proven the feasibility of the new process in test production. The planning of the first large-scale technical plant will begin in the next few months and is expected to be commissioned by 2012, as per the company.