Ascend Performance Materials has begun producing high-purity acrylonitrile at its Chocolate Bayou plant in Alvin, Texas, following the installation and commissioning of new purification equipment. The move expands the company鈥檚 product lineup and opens doors to emerging markets in aerospace, renewable energy and health care.
鈥淲e鈥檙e excited to provide our high-purity acrylonitrile into new end markets and support technologies that drive innovation and sustainability,鈥� said Alex Mihut, vice president of performance chemicals at Ascend. 鈥淭his advancement not only strengthens our product portfolio but also reinforces our commitment to delivering essential materials that meet the evolving needs of our customers and the industry.鈥�
Acrylonitrile is a key feedstock for a variety of polymers and synthetic rubbers. Its high-purity form is critical to manufacturing carbon-fiber composites for aircraft, membranes for fuel cells and battery components, as well as materials used in medical devices and diagnostics.
The new purification train at Chocolate Bayou received partial funding through a U.S. government contract aimed at securing domestic supplies of raw materials for nitrile rubber glove production. That investment underscores Ascend鈥檚 role in bolstering the nation鈥檚 supply chain for personal protective equipment.
鈥淭his is a significant milestone in this site鈥檚 63-year history,鈥� said Scott Van Wagener, senior site director at Chocolate Bayou. 鈥淲e continue to invest in technologies that grow our site and support our customers鈥� growth.鈥� Ascend has operated at Chocolate Bayou since 1962, producing acrylonitrile monomer and related performance chemicals.
Looking ahead, Ascend plans to add acetonitrile production capabilities at Chocolate Bayou. Acetonitrile, a byproduct of acrylonitrile manufacture, is widely used as a solvent and reagent in pharmaceutical synthesis, chromatography and other laboratory applications.
By integrating acetonitrile output, Ascend aims to offer a broader range of performance chemicals from a single site, improving efficiency and reducing logistics complexity for its customers. The company says the expansion will further strengthen its ability to respond to shifts in global demand and regulatory requirements.
Ascend鈥檚 decision to enhance Chocolate Bayou reflects a broader industry trend toward more specialized, high-value materials that serve critical technology sectors. As end users seek materials that deliver higher performance with lower environmental impact, suppliers such as Ascend are investing in advanced purification, recycling and process-intensification technologies.
鈥淲ith this project complete, we鈥檙e well positioned to serve markets that require stringent material specifications,鈥� Mihut said. 鈥淥ur investments today will help ensure that our customers have reliable access to the advanced chemicals they need to develop the next generation of innovative products.鈥�
The Chocolate Bayou expansions mark another step in Ascend鈥檚 strategy to grow its performance-chemicals business, diversify its revenue streams and support sustainable solutions across the chemical industry.
