For the past 30 years, Hanwha Solutions Chemical Division R&D Center has been committed to developing and applying cutting-edge technology. We have led the advancement of chemistry in South Korea with the vision of creating a more prosperous future for humanity. To this end, we have conducted research into next-generation technologies and materials that can drive the new future. Our R&D investments are allowing us to develop eco-friendly and value-added products in the polyolefin and chemical markets. At the same time, we’re adopting innovative measures that translate to cost reductions and process improvements that further strengthen our business competitiveness.

Hanwha Solutions Chemical Division R&D Center is continuing to seek change as a global industry leader through new technologies that set new standards. We’re driving change for life, for the better.

R&D Organization

R&D Insitute

• Catalyst R&D Center
• Process R&D Center
• Polymerization R&D Center
• Product R&D Center
• H2 Technology R&D Center

R&D Support Division

R&D Planning Team

R&D Support Team

Analysis Team

SHE Team

• PO Tech Center
• PVC Tech Center
• Future Technology R&D Center

Key Research Areas

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  Olefin Polymer

  Main areas of research: Ethylene Homo/Co polymer
  (LD, LLD, HD, m-LLD, EVA, W&C etc.)

  Our research on diverse olefin products (EVA, LDPE, LLD/HDPE, metallocene PE, W&C compound) is part of our endless pursuit to satisfy customer needs – one of which is to lead with specialty products that possess greater durability and processability.

• 

  PVC/Specialty PVC

  Main areas of research: PVC, Paste, CP/TP, CPVC

  Our research on multiple grades of PVC formulation and production processes will further strengthen our business competitiveness. And to expand our portfolio of highly functional specialty products that yield greater profit margins, we’re heavily investing in R&D on copolymer, terpolymer and CPVC.

• 

  Catalyst

  Main areas of research: Metallocene Catalyst,
  Ziegler-Natta Catalyst, Petrochemical Catalyst

  Our research on developing metallocene and Ziegler-Natta catalysts reflect our efforts to secure original technologies and at the same time develop high-value-added specialty PE products. Our research into petrochemical catalyst is part of our strategy to diversify our product portfolio and become further competitive in the market.

• 

  Petrochemical Process

  Main areas of research: Manufacturing processes for petroleum resin, eco-friendly plasticizers, isocyanates, intermediates for new products, energy-saving separation process, and PE polymerization process

  We believe research on process development is essential for commercializing new processes. Research is also a means to our goal: to reduce production costs and impact to the environment. We work to optimize process designs and develop energy-saving reaction/separation process technologies by using computer simulations to create concept designs for new processes that are both more efficient and effective.

• 

  Eco-friendly Plasticizer

  Main areas of research: Eco-DEHCH

  We continuously monitor market trends in eco-friendly products and customer needs. We factor our learnings into research to improve our development of general-purpose eco-friendly plasticizers and plasticizers with specialized functions. One example of a product that has been the result of our R&D efforts is the Eco-DEHCH, an eco-friendly plasticizer with a remarkable improvement in stability and processability. Eco-DEHCH, developed with our proprietary technology, has been well-received by customers and as a result, commercially successful.

• 

  Functional Polymer

  Main areas of research: DCPD petroleum resin,
  high-performance adhesive resin, alkali soluble resin

  We are developing polymers that exhibit an adhesive quality when added to products and can be applied to diverse functional adhesives, tapes, hygienic products, food packaging, printing ink, surface protection coating, paint, etc. Main products under development are functional polymers, such as hydrogenated petroleum resin, an ingredient in adhesives used in hygienic products and food packaging.

• 

  Research on Isocyanate

  XDI (m-xylylene diisocyanate)

  Specialty Isocyanate and its derivatives and applied products are being researched. We are the first company to have completed the development of XDI with our proprietary technology and have succeeded in its commercialization in 2020. XDI is a high-value added material that has excellent optical properties, being highly refractive and does not turn yellow. It is a specialty chemical material used in optical lenses, adhesives, ink binders, coatings, etc.

• 

  Research on super engineering plastic

  PEKK, Polyetherketoneketone

  As an effort to secure our future growth engine and business diversification, we are developing super engineering plastic materials. Key products developed so far include PEKK polymers and compound materials used in semiconductors, electrical and electronic products, industrial, aviation, and medical usages.

• 

  Research on Anion exchange membrane (AEM)

  Water electrolyzers

  We are developing the manufacturing technology of hydrogen, which is a carrier of clean energy that can replace fossil fuels. In particular, our goal is to manufacture green hydrogen using renewable energy, by developing and commercializing the AEM water electrolyzers. We are developing not only the parts, such as the AEM and the catalyst, but also a smart system that allows renewable energy fluctuation of load. AI and machine learning is introduced in all aspects, allowing for data based, advanced, scientific, and systematic research.

• 

  Research on PTC

  Plastics-to-Chemicals

  We are doing research on Plastics-to-Chemicals (PTC), where waste plastic can be recycled back to become a petrochemical base material. By degrading waste plastic in high temperature, pyrolysis oil is extracted, which in turn is transformed to naphta under high temperature and high pressure. We are working on the transformation of a double bond into a single bond, removal of impurities, and developing a catalyst and process for adjusting the molecular weight.