R&D

• Securing future growth engines Our R&D strategy is part of a bold enterprise-wide roadmap to develop original technologies. These new technologies will give rise to new products for new businesses.
• Strengthening existing competencies To secure our leadership positions in each of our businesses, we’re expanding our value-added product portfolios, aggressively using research to advance conventional processes, improving product quality, and reducing cost.
• Creating a pool of experts We are promoting a creative environment and investing in diverse programs to nurture talents who will pursue advanced research in teams made up of other exceptional individuals and SMEs.
• Building a global R&D network We are partnering with global technology leaders and prominent research institutions to develop original and emerging core technologies that will drive our leadership in the global market.

R&D Organization

R&D History

• 1979 Daedeok R&D Center is established
• 1985 First company in Korea to develop XLPE for electric cable insulation
• 1991 First company in Korea to develop XLPE for EHV power cable insulation
• 1996 High-content EVA used in shoe soles is successfully developed
• 2002 Proprietary ASR is successfully developed
• 2003 OEM technology for ultra-high-content EVA is secured
• 2008 DOTP plasticizer is successfully developed
• 2011 LLDPE for cable project is awarded Best Government R&D Project
• 2012 HDPE for film & injection molding is commercialized
  Eco-friendly plasticizer is successfully developed
• 2014 Acquires New Excellent Technology (NET) certification for eco-friendly plasticizer (DEHCH)
• 2015 Develops XLPE for HVDC power cable insulation
• 2016 Acquires New Excellent Technology (NET) certification for high value CPVC and metallocene catalyst
• 2017 Commercializes in-house technologies on high value CPVC and eco-friendly plasticizer (DEHCH)
  Acquires New Excellent Technology (NET) certification for high purity XDI
• 2018 Wins IR52 Jang Young-Shil Award for eco-friendly plasticizer (DEHCH
• 2019 Acquires New Excellent Technology (NET) certification for and commercializes in-house technology of H-HCR (Hydrogenated Hydrocarbon Resin)
  Wins IR52 Jang Young-Shil Award for high value CPVC
• 2020 Commercializes in-house technology on high purity XDI
  Commercializes in-house technology on PVC large-scale reactors
• 2021 Jang Young-sil Award for H-HCR (Hydrogenated HydroCarbon Resin) IR52

Key Research Areas

• 

  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.

R&D Achievements

• High-content EVA

  Overview

  • Elastromeric polymer with VA content of 40% developed with autoclave technology
  • Used to produce HMA (Glue), Running Shoes, and Ink

  Properties

  High transparency, elasticity, and adhesiveness. As a holt melt adhesive, it is used in adhesive products such as glue sticks and plastic wraps. As foam, it is used in sporting equipment such sports shoes padding, gloves and helmets.

  Key achievements

  In 2004 became Korea’s only petrochemical manufacturer to succeed in commercializing EVA with 40% VA

  

• Ultra-high-voltage Cable (XLPE)

  Overview

  Cross linked PE for cable insulation

  Properties

  Smoother surfaces and Clean Technology that reduces CPVs (contamination, protusions, or voids) resulting in better insulating and electrical properties, longer cable life, and reduced impact to the environment

  Key achievements

  • Replaced import-dependent insulation material with Hanwha’s domestically produced XLPE
  • Awarded numerous domestic and international certificates for Hanwha’s XLPE insulated cables
  • Selected as world-class product of Korea every year since 2008

  

• Eco-DEHCH

  Overview

  Highly functional non-phthalate eco-friendly plasticizer

  Properties

  • Superb as plasticizer due to low viscosity and translocation property
  • Perfect as non-phthalate eco-friendly plasticizer

  Key achievements

  • Received 2014 NET certification from Korean Government
  • Completed construction of commercial plant through proprietary technology (2017)
  • Gained FDA approval for products containing Eco-DEHCH
  • REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) implemented in 2013.

  

• CPVC

  Overview

  CPVC resin was manufactured using fundamental PVC morphology control technology and optimized chlorinated reaction

  Properties

  More heat and chemical resistant than PVC and easier to use than steel pipes. CPVC is used manufacture sprinklers, industrial pipes, and hot water pipes

  Key achievements

  • Received the 2016 NET certification from Korean Government
  • CPVC is commercialized for the first time in Korea in 2017

  

• Metallocene hybrid catalyst

  Overview

  Metallocene hybrid catalyst technology for gas-phase process can be used to produce MD/HDPE with excellent mechanical properties and processability

  Properties

  Controls polymer structure to provide long-term hydrostatic strength, improve stress crack resistance, and increase processability

  Key achievements

  • Production of PE-RT TYPE Ⅱ using Hanwha Solutions Chemical Division’s Metallocene hybrid catalyst technology was certified by the international accreditation agency EXOVA in 2017
  • Acquired New Excellent Technology(NET) certification from Korean Government in 2016

  

• PE-RT

  Overview

  PE-RT(Polyethylene of Raised Temperature Resistance) TYPE Ⅰ/Ⅱ is a polyethylene resin whose molecular structure allows it to operate at elevated temperatures and therefore most commonly used in eco-friendly hot-water pressure pipes made of plastic.

  Properties

  Leveraging technologies such as hybrid catalyst technology, PE-RT features long-term hydrostatic strength, chemical resistance, resistance to stress crack and high processability.

  Key achievements

  Acquired quality certification for PE-RT TYPE Ⅰ/Ⅱ from EXOVA in 2016 and 2017

  

• DCPD hydrogenated petroleum

  Overview

  Non-toxic, high-quality hydrogenated petroleum resin

  Properties

  • Highly transparent, colorless, and odorless polymer resin
  • Non-toxic and especially suited for high-quality binding in hygienic products, food, and medical use

  Key achievements

  • Independently developed high-temperature polymerization and high-pressure hydrogenation processes
  • Developed high-transparent, colorless and odorless products
  • Plant to engineer products using proprietary technology currently under construction

  

• XDI (m-xylylene diisocyanate)

  Overview

  Develop high purity XDI with excellent optical properties

  Properties

  • Does not turn yellow, high reaction speed, highly refractive. Has merits of both aromatic and aliphatic isocyanate.
  • With excellent optical properties, is used in making highly refractive optical lenses (refractive index 1.67)

  Key achievements

  • 2017 Acquires New Excellent Technology (NET) certification for high purity XDI
  • 2020 Selected as Industrial Technology Achievement 2020 from The National Academy of Engineering of Korea
  • 2020 Built commercialization plant with proprietary technology

  

• PEKK, Polyetherketoneketone

  Overview

  Develop PEKK material, which is a super engineering plastic. It has the highest level of high heat, chemical, and mechanical load resistance among thermoplasticity polymers.

  Properties

  • Has excellent mechanical load, high heat, chemical, fire resistance, as well as excellent self-lubricative and biocompatibility properties. Has a wide range of usage from semiconductors
  • Display process, automobile parts, aviation mechatronics
  • Parts, electrical and electronic material, to medical implants.

  Key achievements

  • In-house development of high polymerization technology and process
  • Have been selected to participate in a national project to verify the technology and develop applied products

  

• Anion exchange membrane

  Overview

  Develop AEM water electrolyzers that can connect to renewable energy

  Properties

  • High-performing, highly durable, low-cost AEM Water Electrolysis system
  • Can respond rapidly to renewable energy’s fluctuation of load
  • AI based optimized system operation

  Key achievements

  • Developed a proprietary AEM Water Electrolysis system
  • Participate in a national project for highly safe alkaline water electrolyzers

  

• Plastics-to-Chemicals

  Overview

  Develop technology for naphta producing hydrogenation catalyst/process that are pyrolysis oil based

  Properties

  • By having the same physical properties with the existing naphta, PTC can be used to make recycled product that are identical to the virgin plastic product
  • Also can be used as material for food and medical packaging plastic, which until now are not permitted to use recycled plastic.
  • Contributing to the realization of plastic circular economy and carbon neutrality

  Key achievements

  Joint research with Korea Institute of Energy Research, national project in progress