More than a year ago, a silica gel manufacturer in Weihai, Shandong Province, had ambitious plans to launch a high-end silica gel product—a large-scale lithium molecular sieve for pressure swing adsorption (PSA) air separation and oxygen generation. However, the project ultimately failed due to technical challenges.
According to a reporter, China currently has over 50 silicone production companies, most of which focus on mid- to low-grade desiccants and absorbent-type silica gels. In recent years, many firms, like the Weihai company, have tried to develop high-tech, high-value-added silicone products. Yet, these efforts have not been successful. What is behind this trend? The reporter investigated further.
Although Chinese silicone products are exported to more than 30 countries and regions, over 90% of them are standard silica gels. High-grade silicone products are largely imported, with advanced technologies controlled by a few U.S., Japanese, and European companies. These high-end products come at a steep price—some costing tens of thousands of yuan per ton. In contrast, domestic ordinary silica gel sells for only around 5,000–6,000 yuan per ton. Despite this, enthusiasm for ordinary silica gel projects remains strong in coastal areas, Northeast China, and Inner Mongolia, leading to intense competition, price-cutting, and declining profits.
Wang Ninghua, Chief Engineer at Qingdao Mintai High-tech Materials Co., Ltd., told the reporter that while the industry recognizes the need to move toward high-tech, high-value products, progress has been slow. This is because developing such products requires more than just lab research. When transitioning from laboratory to industrial scale, factors like temperature, pressure, and washing conditions can significantly affect product performance. As a result, many high-grade silicones remain difficult to scale up and commercialize. Therefore, the development of premium silicone products depends on collaboration between research institutions, manufacturers, and end-users.
Wang also pointed out that the application of high-performance silica gel is crucial for improving its properties. In the 1980s, Shanghai Petrochemical spent billions to import vinyl acetate plants, including an expensive CT-2 catalyst. A national effort involving multiple organizations eventually reduced the cost by 40%. However, when it came to another catalyst, 952, a petrochemical company in Shandong refused to adopt the new version due to the risk of even a small drop in yield, which could cost millions. This reluctance to take risks highlights a major barrier to innovation in the industry.
Wang Jun, Chief Engineer at Qingdao High Group, added that domestic silicone companies must focus on high-value products but face two key technical challenges: bonding technology and product purity. These issues cannot be solved by enterprises alone and require collaboration with research institutions. Most Chinese silicone producers are small-scale, with only two companies producing over 10,000 tons annually. They lack the necessary facilities, testing equipment, and skilled personnel. With the current profitable market for ordinary silica gels, companies are hesitant to invest in R&D, creating a gap between innovation and practical application. This contradiction continues to hinder the growth of high-performance silicone products in China.
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