BASF is in the process of starting up a new 6,000 t/y plant for the high performance thermoplastics polyarylsulfone at its site in Yeosu, Korea, to supply markets in Asia-Pacific. The new capacity will lift the German group's global output of the polymer specialty sold under the Ultrason trademark to 18,000 t/y.

The start-up of the group's first production facility for polysulphones outside Germany is a step toward the goal of locally producing some 75% of all products sold in Asia by 2020, said Raimar Jahn, president of BASF's Performance Materials business.

WooSung Shin, managing director of BASF Korea, said the new capacity reflects in part the global development of many new Ultrason applications, and also will result in shorter lead times for the region.

Polysulphones are used by the electronics, automotive and aerospace industries for production of heat-resistant, lightweight components. Other applications are in membranes for water treatment, fittings for drinking water pipelines or food contact applications, but the polymers are also used to produce carbon fiber composites.

As one of the top three global E&E manufacturing sites, Korea is well positioned to benefit from local availability and production of polysulphones, BASF said.