Polyurethanes (MDI, TDI, polyols)
Foams, coatings and elastomers made by reacting isocyanates (MDI, TDI) with polyols; vital for insulation and furniture, and India imports most of its supply.
Pseudo-commodities · Resins & fibres · No. 61
- Single chemical
- Feedstock: Oil, gas or coal
- about 25 Mt a year of polyurethane raw materials (2025, indicative, basis: MDI demand 8.6 Mt + TDI about 3.3 Mt + polyols about 11 Mt + additives and blowing agents)
- 3.2 t CO₂e per t
- HS 390950, 390720
Your mattress and fridge insulation are made on the spot by mixing two liquids, one built using phosgene, a former war gas.
Chart: Illustration: Polyurethanes (MDI, TDI, polyols)
Where it comes from
Chart: Map of where it comes from
Benzene or toluene is turned into amines, then reacted with phosgene made on site. The isocyanate is mixed with a polyol from propylene oxide where the foam is made.
Three things to know
- MDI is an oligopoly: five producers hold over 90% of capacity, and Wanhua alone has 3.8 Mt a year.
- India imported about 500 kt of polyether polyols in 2024 against about 77 kt of domestic capacity, and has no MDI plant.
- Isocyanates are the leading cause of occupational asthma, so handling rules are strict.
The journey
- 1 Benzene or toluene0.62 t benzene per tonne MDI
- 2 AminesNitrated and hydrogenated to aniline or TDA
- 3 PhosgenationMade on site, turned into isocyanates
- 4 PolyolsPropylene oxide added to glycerine or sugar
- 5 Foam lineMixed at the factory into foam