Demand is particularly strong for basic silicone products, according to Courtney Rowe, Dow Corning global product line manager.
"Innovation in a wide range of industries is really driving demand for siloxanes and other core silicones," said Rowe. "We're working hard to respond to this significant increase in demand by optimising production wherever we can."
The food production industry has become a major user of silicone-based products. As a result, Dow Corning has developed new silicone foam control agents to safely eliminate problem foam in food processing applications. The company claims that silicone foam control agents out-perform their nonsilicone counterparts in terms of versatility, strength, effectiveness, safety and economy.
Silicone-based lubricants are also becoming widely used. Dow Corning's Molykote fluids conform to requirements under H-1 or H-2 designations of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), many are kosher approved and have Ag Canada approvals.
The H-1 designation means that the lubricated part may have incidental food contact not to exceed 10 parts per million. The H-2 designation means that the lubricated part may not have contact with food.
In addition, to meet the dramatic temperature variations from freezers to ovens, the product line includes H1 lubricants with operating temperature capabilities from -60°C to 150°C and H2 lubricants with temperature capabilities from -60°C to 250°C. The product line also includes compounds, greases, pastes, anti-friction coatings and dispersions with temperature capabilities from -226°C to 1400°C.
With a view to increasing silicone production capacity further, Dow Corning intends to expand its polydimethyl siloxanes production facility in Barry, UK by nearly 15 per cent. "This increase at the largest and most technologically advanced facility for the manufacture of silicon-based materials in the world represents a significant increase in available product in the market," said Rowe.
The project involves installation of new equipment in critical process phases as well as reliability improvements. Scheduled for completion in early October, the scheme represents one of a series of ongoing investments by the company to significantly increase the supply of silicone materials.
Another major expansion at the site is slated for 2006. Longer-term, Dow Corning is planning significant expansion in the manufacture of silicones for Asian markets with the construction of a world class manufacturing facility in China by the end of the decade. According to Rowe, the company is also exploring supply options in India, and recently concluded a land purchase agreement.
"It's an exciting time to work in our industry," says Rowe. "The global marketplace has recognised the benefit and versatility of silicon technology as companies seek to innovate and grow."
Dow Corning has made a number of other recent supply chain improvements. In May 2003, Dow Corning strengthened its Asian supply chain with the addition of new siloxane storage and distribution facilities in Ulsan, South Korea and Shanghai, China, in order to provide customers in the region with faster and more flexible delivery of high volume materials.
And to address customer demand and market growth in Korea, Dow Corning announced a 40 percent capacity increase for sealants and polymers in December 2003.
Dow Corning is a global leader in silicon-based technology and innovation, offering more than 7,000 products and services. Dow Corning is equally owned by The Dow Chemical Company and Corning, Incorporated.
More than half of Dow Corning's annual sales are outside the United States, and demand for silicon-based materials is growing in virtually every geographic market. In addition to China and India, demand for silicon-based materials has dramatically increased in Russia and Korea. The technology is extensive in food production to improve productivity - antifoam, for example, helps stop vessels overflowing, making production runs more efficient.