Linear α-olefin market attracts "Golden Phoenix"

Recently, market participants said that according to the latest survey data, linear alpha-olefins (LAOs), as important organic chemical raw materials and intermediates, are still in a growth mode in many regions and applications
.
In 2019, its global production capacity was 8.

Able to meet specific needs

Through the full-range linear alpha-olefin production technology, a variety of alpha-olefins can be produced to meet the specific needs of multiple application industries, from bulk commercial polymers to small-batch special applications, including polyethylene monomers, surfactants, Lubricants, plasticizers, poly-α-olefins (PAO), additives and fine chemicals
.
Currently, lower α- olefins (e.

Accelerated growth of downstream applications

The latest research by IHS Markit shows that the average annual growth rate of different derivatives of linear α-olefins (LAOs) varies from 2019 to 2030.
The average annual growth rate of polymer demand is expected to be 3.
5%.
AOS, LAB/LABS, alkyl amines) demand an average annual growth rate of 4%, other such as POP/POE, oil field chemicals, petroleum wax demand an average annual growth rate of 4.
2%
.

Polyethylene (PE) comonomer occupies a dominant position in the overall demand for α-olefins, and its growth rate will far exceed the GDP growth rate
.
Differences in price and performance have caused competition between different PE grades

Specialty polymers such as polyolefin elastomers or plastomers are another strong growth market, especially 1-octene modified polymers
.
These polymers have a wide range of applications, including flexible packaging and automotive durable goods.

In addition to general-purpose polymers, poly-α-olefins (PAO) consume the most α-olefins, especially for molecules with intermediate carbon numbers
.
PAO is known as the so-called Type IV synthetic lubricant

Some market participants pointed out that in the past 10 years, PAO has also faced challenges from competitive lubricants, especially hydrocracked base oils
.
However, today, new regulations are pushing the automotive industry to reduce emissions

New investments have entered the market

Market participants have found that, at present, the demand for various linear α-olefins continues to grow, attracting a large number of market participants to invest
.
Currently, ExxonMobil Chemical Company is building a full-range α-olefin project on the Gulf Coast of the United States

　　At the same time, Shell and CNOOC are building China's first world-class linear alpha-olefin plant in Huizhou
.
Market participants pointed out that the demand for PAO in China is growing steadily