In the conventional PC manufacturing process, highly toxic phosgene is used in a process of high energy consumption. Asahi Kasei Corporation, under a NEDO contract, has developed a new process based on dialkyl carbonate (DRC) which is transformed into diphenyl carbonate (DPC) and on to polycarbonate in the presence of bisphenol A. Continuous operation of this process over 1000 hours was achieved. Further advantages are energy saving, reduction of CO2 emissions, and the use of safe raw materials, compared to conventional manufacturing processes.
NEDO news release, August 7, 2017
Asahi Kasei builds demonstration plant for new polycarbonate production process