Lotte Chemical Develops Fire-Resistant Insulation Material

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Yoon-joo] Lotte Chemical has developed the 'PIA (high-purity isophthalic acid) added semi-nonflammable urethane insulation material' for the first time in Korea, which can reduce fire spread in the event of a fire.

The urethane insulation material using this material is a semi-nonflammable product that is less flammable compared to conventional urethane insulation materials, reducing smoke generation by about 30% during a fire, thereby minimizing damage caused by fire smoke.

In October last year, it was verified by the nationally accredited testing institute KOTITI, which analyzes pollutant emissions, that no harmful formaldehyde was detected. Additionally, in August and November last year, the Korea Conformity Laboratories (KCL) testing centers in Samcheok and Ochang certified the suitability of the semi-nonflammable insulation material, recognizing its safety and functionality.

PIA is a material used as a raw material for PET bottles, coatings, and paints. Lotte Chemical is the sole producer in Korea and holds the world's largest PIA production capacity at 520,000 tons annually.

Focusing on the heat resistance of PIA, which withstands high temperatures well, Lotte Chemical developed a material that compensates for the shortcomings of existing urethane insulation materials through about two years of research. Currently, insulation materials using this material have been installed at Dongtan Station Lotte Shopping Town Front Castle and Lotte Human Resources Development Institute in Osan.

With recent strengthening of safety and environmental standards, demand for semi-nonflammable exterior insulation materials is expected to expand. The implementation of zero-energy buildings for carbon neutrality and the revised 'Enforcement Decree of the Building Act' in November 2019 prohibit the use of combustible exterior materials and mandate the use of semi-nonflammable insulation materials for buildings over three floors or 9 meters in height.

Hwang Jin-gu, head of the Basic Materials Business, said, "By expanding research on existing PIA materials, we have not only entered new markets but also provided customers with safe products enhanced with eco-friendly functions." He added, "We will continue to expand research and development of specialty materials to enhance the functions and added value of existing materials."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.