Technology and cost estimates for various adipic acid production technologies including: commercial routes involving KA and subsequent nitric acid oxidation; speculative routes via butadiene carbonylation, and direct oxidation of cyclohexane with air/oxygen; a conceptual design based on a biosynthetic route.

Commercial air separation technologies (cryogenic, membrane, adsorption) and developing processes (ITM, CAR, OTM) are detailed. Supply considerations and cost of production estimates for separating air into oxygen, nitrogen and argon are given. Global and regional markets for industrial gases are discussed.

Regional round-up of industry developments, regional pricing analysis and capacity expansions are provided for Q4 2009.

Commercial technologies and trends for producing styrene block copolymers. Cost of production for Poly(styrene-butadiene-styrene), Poly(styrene-isoprene-styrene), Poly(styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene), and Poly(styrene-ethylene/propylene-styrene).