Process Design, Economic Feasibility, and Market Potential for Nylon 1313 Produced from Erucic Acid

摘要

AbstractNylon 1313, made from the erucic acid of crambe or industrial rapeseed oil, has excellent attributes for use in industry. Its durability, chemical and water resistance, dimensional stability, and electrical properties are valuable characteristics for numerous applications. The processes and economics in transforming erucic acid into brassylic acid and into nylon 1313 are detailed. A sensitivity analysis, developed on a LOTUS template, shows changes in the unit cost of producing nylon 1313 with changes in feedstock material costs and coproduct credits, the two most important factors in the economic feasibility of nylon 1313. The current market and future potential markets for nylon 1313 are discussed. Biotechnology can play an important role in the commercialization of nylon 1313 from erucic acid. Rapeseed is a crop of choice for many biotechnologists. Expected technological advances could lower the cost of crop production, thereby reducing the cost of nylon 1313. Success would improve the competitive position of nylon 1313 relative to other industrial nylons.