ND: RIL, Rohm (US) mull acrylic-monomer complex

New Delhi, Mar 22: Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) and the United States-based Rohm and Haas Company today entered into an agreement to explore joint construction of an acrylic-monomer complex in Jamnagar.

The proposed facility would have the capacity to make nearly two lakh tonnes of acrylic acid and its esters annually.

The facility will manufacture environmentally advanced products for paints and coatings, packaging adhesives, detergents, textile and construction materials.

The plant is also expected to develop super absorbent polymers used primarily in the manufacture of baby diapers.

However, the two companies did not divulge the investment figures.

While the facility would primarily cater to the domestic market, it could also export acrylic acid and derivatives.

''The joint initiative involves two strong industry leaders with complementary strengths and skills. The proposed acrylic acid plant is expected to be world-scale, be located at a site with world-class infrastructure, and use Rohm and Haas's leading technology,'' RIL said.

Reliance Industries Rohm and Haas are committed to exploring the option to collaborate in the downstream specialty polymers and chemicals areas in the Indian subcontinent, an official statement added.

UNI