Raw Material Sources for Automotive Plastics

The sources of raw materials available for production of the major automotive plastics have been determined. In order to do this, each polymer was broken down into its monomeric units, and the basic chemicals used in the commercial synthesis of each monomer were specified. Three alternate raw material sources are discussed. Coal is an excellent source of chemicals, especially acetylene, needed for polymer production. Oil shale retorting yields a large number of basic chemicals. Two major chemicals are also available from agricultural products and residues. Although each source has its disadvantages, there is no problem in the amount of chemicals that can be obtained.