Indian firm PCBL Chemical Ltd has announced a significant expansion in its specialty chemical portfolio by entering the acetylene black production market. The company has signed a technology transfer agreement with Chinese manufacturer Ningxia Jinhua Chemical Co to bring acetylene black production to India.
Acetylene black is a high-end conductive grade chemical with applications in high voltage power cables, Li-ion batteries, EV charging, semiconductor packaging and conductive plastics, paints & coatings applications.
By setting up India’s first acetylene black plant, PCBL Chemical says it aims to reduce dependence on imports, ensuring a stable and efficient supply of this critical component to Indian and global markets.
Over the last few years, PCBL adds it has significantly expanded its specialty portfolio. It has launched over 50 grades under Bleumina brand for engineered plastics, Nutone for inks, paints and coating applications and Energia for conductive applications like conductive polymers, electrostatic discharge, wires and cables and battery.
The addition of acetylene black would significantly bolster its capabilities to offer numerous grades in the fast-growing conductive segment. PCBL has recently set up a joint venture company, Nanovace Technologies, to develop nano- silicon products to be used in anodes of Li-Ion batteries. The pilot plant at PCBL Palej site will be ready in the next few months.
Acetylene black technology addition is in sync with PCBL’s strategy to align growth vectors with global macro trends like energy transition, grid renewal, auto electrification and semiconductor industry growth. The market size of acetylene blacks, which is currently around 60,000 tonnes, is estimated to increase by around 19-20% CAGR and reach around 150,000 tonnes by 2030.