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Isopropanolamine: Green Chemical Produces Alternative Products
Isopropanolamine and ethanolamine are both alkanolamines, but isopropanolamine offers superior performance and is more environmentally friendly and safer for human use. As a result, it is increasingly being promoted as a green chemical by developed countries, with a growing trend to replace traditional ethanolamine. However, China's isopropanolamine industry started later and still lags behind global leaders. With significant market potential, the industry needs to overcome numerous challenges and accelerate its development.
As environmental concerns grow globally, the use of ethanolamine is being restricted. For instance, in many developed countries, strict regulations classify ethanolamine as a hazardous substance, limiting its application. In contrast, isopropanolamine has gained traction in various industries due to its enhanced properties.
In the oil and gas refining sector, diisopropanolamine is increasingly used instead of monoethanolamine for desulfurization. It improves solvent stability and effectively removes sulfur oxides. In the Middle East, 80% of oil refineries use diisopropanolamine. As demand for oil rises and heavy sulfur crude becomes more common, the need for isopropanolamine will continue to grow.
In cement admixtures, triisopropanolamine has replaced triethanolamine due to better dispersion and late strength properties. Major cement companies like Lafarge have started mass-producing triisopropanolamine, signaling a shift in the industry.
Additionally, isopropanolamine is used in biodiesel production, where its hydrophilic and lipophilic properties help increase the amount of alcohol added, reducing costs. With government policies supporting ethanol gasoline, this creates new opportunities for isopropanolamine.
Rising oil prices and increased demand for ethylene products have led to higher ethanolamine prices, narrowing the cost gap between ethanolamine and isopropanolamine. This makes isopropanolamine a more attractive alternative.
According to data, global demand for isopropanolamine has been steadily increasing. By 2006, worldwide consumption reached 234,000 tons, and it is expected to rise to 250,000 tons in the next 2–3 years, and potentially reach 500,000 tons within 5–8 years.
Despite its promising future, China’s isopropanolamine industry faces several challenges. Production technology is largely controlled by multinational corporations, while domestic producers struggle with high energy consumption, excessive by-products, and limited capacity. Most Chinese manufacturers lack the expertise to produce high-quality isopropanolamine at scale.
Moreover, there is a shortage of skilled professionals trained in large-scale production. Many companies have halted operations due to technical difficulties. The domestic market is still in the early stages, with only one company—Nanjing Hongbaoli—producing over 10,000 tons annually.
Production methods vary: foreign firms typically use continuous high-pressure techniques, while Chinese producers often rely on intermittent low-pressure methods. Nanjing Hongbaoli, however, employs a continuous high-pressure supercritical synthesis method, which is more advanced.
To fully realize its potential, China must invest in research, improve technology, and develop a skilled workforce. With proper support, the isopropanolamine industry can grow into a key player in the global green chemical market.