Driven by the restructuring of the global chemical supply chain and China's "dual carbon" goals, China's chemical industry is accelerating its transformation from traditional bulk commodities to high-end new materials and green, low-carbon technologies. Recently, Sinopec Yizheng Chemical Fiber, Jiangsu Yangnong Chemical, and Longpan Technology have achieved key breakthroughs in thermoplastic polyester elastomers (TPEE), high-end nylon raw material hexamethylenediamine, and new energy vehicle chemicals, respectively. These breakthroughs not only fill domestic technological gaps but also reshape the competitive landscape of the industry. The following in-depth analysis examines the core of these projects, their technological value, industry comparisons, and strategic significance, combined with the differentiated strategies employed by Sinopec's internal enterprises, clearly presenting the logic of the industry's evolution.
Sinopec Yizheng Chemical Fiber: 40,000 Tons/Year TPEE Elastomer Project – A Leading Polyester Manufacturer Enters the High-End Elastomer Market, Breaking Overseas Monopoly
(I) Project Overview (Environmental Impact Assessment Accepted, Public Notice in May 2026)
Project Entity: Sinopec Yizheng Chemical Fiber Co., Ltd. (Sinopec's Core Base for Polyester and Specialty Fibers)
Project Nature: Renovation Project (No New Land Use, Revitalizing Existing Plant Area)
Construction Location: Within the boundaries of Jiangsu Yizheng Chemical Fiber Company (PBT Unit 2 B04 Production Line Area)
Total Investment: RMB 241.76 million (Environmental Protection Investment RMB 1.8 million, accounting for 0.74%)
Core Construction Contents:
Demolition of abandoned repair workshops, construction of a polymerization building and power distribution room;
Addition of 2 PTMEG storage tanks, 1 THF storage tank, and supporting transfer pumps;
Relying on existing heat transfer station, circulating water station, and THF recovery unit to reduce investment and energy consumption;
Capacity and Cycle: 40,000 tons/year functional TPEE, construction period 18 months, staffing 25 (internal transfer)
(II) TPEE Material: "Thermoplastic Rubber Aristocrat," Superior Performance and Applications
TPEE (Thermoplastic Polyester Elastomer) is a block copolymer of polyester hard segments and polyether soft segments. Its microscopic phase separation structure endows it with unique properties:
Core Properties: Combining the high elasticity of rubber with the strength of engineering plastics, temperature resistance from -40℃ to 150℃, excellent fatigue resistance, chemical resistance, and creep resistance, and recyclable;
High-end Application Scenarios:
Automotive: Dust covers, shock absorbers, high-pressure oil pipes (core material for lightweighting new energy vehicles);
Rail Transit: Track pads (import replacement, domestic annual demand exceeds 20,000 tons);
Medical/Outdoor: Waterproof and breathable membranes (medical protection, outdoor clothing), smart wearable seals;
Electronics: High-end wire and cable insulation layers, 5G equipment seals.
(III) Technological Breakthroughs and Industry Value
Domestic Substitution Breakthrough: Previously, the domestic TPEE market was long monopolized by overseas giants. Yizheng Chemical Fiber began R&D in 2011 and achieved 10,000-ton-level industrialization in 2015. With the completion of this 40,000-ton capacity, domestic self-sufficiency will be significantly improved, alleviating the "bottleneck" problem in the new energy and high-end manufacturing sectors.
Significant Process Advantages: Utilizing the direct esterification method (independent intellectual property), compared to the traditional transesterification method, the process is shorter, lower in cost, and produces less waste, aligning with the green and low-carbon trend.
High-End Product Strategy: Differentiated products such as TM365 (for non-porous waterproof and breathable membranes) and special materials for track pads have been developed, with a differentiation rate exceeding 99% and added value far exceeding that of conventional polyester products.
(IV) Internal Comparison within Sinopec: Yizheng Chemical Fiber vs. Shanghai Petrochemical vs. Yangzi Petrochemical
Shanghai Petrochemical, Yangzi Petrochemical, and Yizheng Chemical Fiber all belong to Sinopec's core chemical sector. The three companies have clear divisions of labor and differentiated development, forming a hierarchical and complementary industrial layout of "integrated refining and chemical production—aromatics/polyester raw materials—high-end specialty new materials." A detailed comparison of their differences across various dimensions is as follows:
1. Core Positioning Differences
Yizheng Chemical Fiber: Focuses on the polyester, specialty fiber, and high-end elastomer sectors. It has no oil refining business and is Sinopec's specialized new materials production base, primarily producing fine chemicals and high-end polymer new materials.
Shanghai Petrochemical: A fully integrated refining and chemical enterprise, covering the entire chain from oil refining and ethylene cracking to basic chemicals and synthetic materials. It is a benchmark for comprehensive petrochemical industries in East China.
Yangzi Petrochemical: Based on integrated refining and chemical production, it focuses on the core aromatics industrial chain and is a core domestic PX and aromatics raw material production base, emphasizing upstream basic chemical raw material supply.
2. Core Capacity Differences
Yizheng Chemical Fiber: Its core capacity focuses on new materials and polyester raw materials, with a capacity of 3 million tons/year of PTA, 3.1 million tons/year of polyester, 40,000 tons/year of functional TPEE elastomers, and 4,000 tons/year of para-aramid. It has no crude oil processing capacity.
Shanghai Petrochemical: Its core capacity is in crude oil refining and basic olefins, with a capacity of 14 million tons/year of crude oil processing and 700,000 tons/year of ethylene, complemented by large-tow carbon fiber as a specialty new material.
Yangzi Petrochemical: It has both refining and aromatics capacity, with a capacity of 12.5 million tons/year of crude oil processing, 800,000 tons/year of ethylene, 1.4 million tons/year of aromatics, and 1.05 million tons/year of PTA. Its aromatics capacity is among the industry leaders.
3. Core Technology Focus Differences
Yizheng Chemical Fiber: It deeply cultivates high-molecular polymerization technology, mastering core technologies in polyester polymerization, para-aramid, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber, and TPEE functional elastomer synthesis, specializing in high-end new material polymerization processes.
Shanghai Petrochemical: Focuses on core upstream refining technologies, specializing in oil refining catalysis and ethylene cracking processes. It also has a presence in large-tow carbon fiber and acrylonitrile synthesis technologies, balancing basic refining with mid-to-high-end new materials.
Yangtze Petrochemical: Focuses on aromatics refining and high-end polyolefin technologies. Its core strengths lie in efficient aromatics separation, precise PX synthesis, POE elastomers, and EVA photovoltaic material preparation. It prioritizes the upgrading of basic chemicals to high-end levels.
4. Differences in End-Product Structure
Yizheng Chemical Fiber: Centered on high-value-added high-end new materials, it primarily produces globally leading polyester staple fiber, PBT engineering plastics, functional TPEE elastomers, and para-aramid fibers, excluding refined oil and other energy products.
Shanghai Petrochemical: Has a comprehensive and balanced product structure, covering refined oil, polyethylene, polypropylene, and other basic energy chemicals, while also producing new materials such as carbon fiber and acrylonitrile, covering the energy, basic chemicals, and new materials sectors.
Yangzi Petrochemical: Primarily focused on upstream basic chemical raw materials, its core products include refined oil, PX, PTA, ethylene glycol, and POE elastomers, mainly providing raw material support for downstream polyester, nylon, and new materials industries.
5. Differences in Corporate Strategic Roles
Yizheng Chemical Fiber: Positioned as Sinopec's flagship new materials enterprise, it focuses on breakthroughs in "bottleneck" high-end new materials such as elastomers and specialty fibers, undertaking the task of high-end and refined transformation of Sinopec's chemical industry.
Shanghai Petrochemical: Responsible for energy supply and comprehensive chemical industry leadership in East China, leveraging its full-industry chain advantages to achieve synergistic development of energy supply and new chemical materials, boasting the strongest industrial comprehensiveness and stability.
Yangzi Petrochemical: A core hub in China's aromatics industry chain, relying on its large-scale aromatics production capacity to provide core raw material support for the national polyester, nylon, and synthetic materials industries, ensuring the stable operation of the midstream and downstream industry chains.
Jiangsu Yangnong Chemical: High-Quality Hexamethylenediamine via Caprolactam Process – A World-First Technology Solving the "Bottlenecks" in Nylon 66 Raw Materials
(I) Project Honors and Core Background
Awards: First Prize for Scientific and Technological Progress from the China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Federation in 2025 (the highest level industry award);
Collaborating Team: Jiangsu Yangnong Chemical (a subsidiary of Sinochem International), Xiamen University, Ningxia Ruitai Technology;
Core Pain Point: Hexamethylenediamine is the core monomer of Nylon 66 (polyamide 66). Nylon 66, due to its superior strength and heat resistance compared to Nylon 6, is widely used in automobiles, electronics, and high-end textiles. However, China's hexamethylenediamine production has long relied on the adiponitrile hydrogenation route (adiponitrile technology is monopolized overseas and requires highly toxic hydrogen cyanide), leaving the industrial chain vulnerable to external control.
(II) Technological Breakthrough: World's First Caprolactam-Based Hexamethylenediamine Process
A New Route: Abandoning the traditional adiponitrile route, this process uses caprolactam, a bulk chemical, as raw material to directly produce hexamethylenediamine in two steps: catalytic amination and hydrogenation. This is the world's first industrial-scale plant with a capacity of tens of thousands of tons (commissioned in 2022, operating stably for over 3 years).
Core Technological Barriers:
High-performance composite catalysts (87 patents, 50 authorized);
High-efficiency conversion of heat-sensitive materials (suppressing side reactions, extremely low DCH content);
Ultra-high purity separation and purification (product purity 99.995%, meeting international superior product standards);
Green and Low-Carbon Advantages: No highly toxic raw materials, significantly lower emissions of waste gas, wastewater, and solid waste compared to traditional processes, included in the "Petrochemical Green and Low-Carbon Process Directory (2024 Edition)". (III) Industrial Value: Self-reliance and Controllability + Cost Advantage + Full Industrial Chain Empowerment
Breaking the Overseas Monopoly: Eliminating dependence on overseas adiponitrile/hexamethylenediamine, achieving self-reliance and control over key raw materials for high-end nylon, and ensuring the supply chain security of strategic industries such as automobiles and electronics;
Dual Advantages in Cost and Safety: Caprolactam is a domestically produced commodity (with sufficient production capacity), resulting in low raw material costs; the process is inherently safe, avoiding the risks associated with highly toxic materials such as hydrogen cyanide;
Full Industrial Chain Extension: Constructing a complete process technology of "catalyst — hexamethylenediamine — nylon 66 polymerization," with downstream applications extending to nylon 66 chips, fibers, and engineering plastics, supporting the development of lightweight automobiles and high-end textiles.
(IV) Comparison with Sinopec's Nylon Industry Chain: Differentiated Breakthrough
Sinopec's nylon industry chain layout mainly relies on the external purchase of adiponitrile + caprolactam route (such as Baling Petrochemical's Nylon 6 and Shanghai Petrochemical's Nylon 66). Yangnong Chemical (a subsidiary of Sinochem) has taken a different approach, forming differentiated competition:
Sinopec's route: Relies on overseas adiponitrile, resulting in high costs and significant supply chain risks;
Yangnong Chemical's route: Utilizes its own caprolactam process, ensuring self-sufficiency in raw materials, low costs, and a green and low-carbon approach, filling a domestic technological gap and complementing Sinopec to jointly promote the localization of the nylon industry.
Longpan Technology: Awarded the "Technology Innovation Ecosystem Partner Award"—Green Chemicals Driving the Low-Carbon Transformation of the Automotive Industry
(I) Award Background and Core Strengths
Award Ceremony: 2026 Automotive Supply Chain Ecosystem Partner Conference (Beijing), awarded the "Technology Innovation Ecosystem Partner Award," demonstrating its innovative strength in new energy vehicle chemicals and green lubrication;
Company Positioning: A leading domestic enterprise specializing in automotive environmentally friendly fine chemicals and lithium battery materials, headquartered in Nanjing, with business covering 16 countries worldwide. By 2025, its lithium iron phosphate cathode material production capacity will rank among the top in China.
(II) Core Innovation: New Energy Chemicals + Green Layout Across the Entire Industry Chain
New Energy Vehicle Specialty Chemicals (Upgrading Traditional Advantages):
Low Conductivity Coolant: Compatible with new energy batteries/motors, leak-proof, and high-temperature resistant;
Hybrid Engine Oil: Balancing fuel efficiency and battery protection, suitable for hybrid systems;
Products are already supplied to major domestic and international new energy vehicle manufacturers, contributing to vehicle safety and low carbon emissions;
Lithium-ion Battery and Hydrogen Energy Core Materials (Second Growth Curve):
Lithium Iron Phosphate Cathode Material: High energy density, long cycle life, supplied to leading battery companies;
Hydrogen Energy Catalyst: Core component of fuel cells, breaking through overseas technological monopolies;
Green and Low-Carbon Concept: The entire product line complies with EU REACH and RoHS standards, is recyclable, and has low VOCs, contributing to the automotive industry's "carbon neutrality." (III) Industry Value: Reconstructing a Green Ecosystem for the Automotive Supply Chain
Collaborative Innovation: Upgrading from a single chemical supplier to a technology ecosystem partner, jointly developing customized products with automakers, and deeply integrating into the new energy vehicle supply chain;
Domestic Substitution: Breaking the monopoly of overseas brands in the high-end automotive chemicals field, providing cost-effective green solutions, and reducing costs in the new energy vehicle industry chain;
Industry Linkage: Collaborative layout in lubrication, lithium battery materials, and hydrogen energy catalysts, forming material support for the entire new energy vehicle industry chain, and accelerating the industry's transformation from the "fuel era" to the "new energy era."
(IV) Comparison with Sinopec's Automotive Chemicals Sector: Marketization vs. Intra-system Collaboration
Sinopec's automotive chemicals (lubricants, additives) rely on its gas station channels and integrated refining advantages, focusing on the low-to-mid-end market, with a relatively lagging new energy transformation; Longpan Technology, on the other hand, focuses on the high-end new energy track, with a flexible market mechanism and rapid R&D response, forming differentiated advantages in the fields of new energy-specific coolants and lithium battery materials, creating a "complementary competition" pattern with Sinopec.
Summary of Commonalities and Industry Trends in the Three Case Studies
(I) Common Characteristics: Independent Innovation + High-End Products + Green and Low-Carbon Development
Technology Self-Reliance and Control: All three broke through overseas monopolies (TPEE, hexamethylenediamine, new energy chemicals), possessed independent core patents, and ensured the security of the industrial chain;
Product High-End Products: Focused on high value-added fields (elastomers, high-end nylon, new energy materials), breaking away from low-price competition in bulk commodities;
Green and Low-Carbon Development: Low energy consumption and low waste in processes, recyclable products, aligning with the "dual-carbon" policy orientation.
(II) Trends in China's New Chemical Materials Industry
State-owned Enterprises Leading the Way + Private Enterprises Breaking Through: Sinopec (Yizheng Chemical Fiber) leverages its capital and production capacity advantages to develop bulk new materials; Sinochem (Yangnong Chemical) and private enterprises (Longpan Technology) are making breakthroughs in niche high-end sectors, forming a collaborative innovation pattern of "national team + private enterprise";
Vertical Integration of the Industrial Chain: Extending from single products to the entire chain of "raw materials - intermediates - end materials" (e.g., Yangnong Chemical's hexamethylenediamine → Nylon 66), enhancing the industry chain's bargaining power;
Downstream Demand-Driven: Explosive growth in new energy vehicles, photovoltaics, high-end manufacturing, and medical fields is driving high-end demand for TPEE, hexamethylenediamine, and lithium battery materials, becoming the core driving force for industry growth.
The three major breakthroughs of Yizheng Chemical Fiber's TPEE, Yangnong Chemical's hexamethylenediamine, and Longpan Technology's green innovation are a microcosm of the transformation of China's chemical industry from "scale expansion" to "value enhancement" and from "technology import" to "independent innovation." Against the backdrop of increasing uncertainty in global supply chains and accelerated domestic industrial upgrading, such high-end, green, and self-reliant technological breakthroughs can not only fill domestic gaps and reduce dependence on foreign countries, but also promote China's chemical industry to leap from "world factory" to "innovation highland," providing solid material support for strategic industries such as new energy and high-end manufacturing.
