In February 2026, a State Key Laboratory, together with several scientific research institutions, announced that its self-developed closed-loop catalytic synthesis technology of ethyl silicone oil had achieved industrial application. This technology combines novel metal organic framework catalysts (MOFs) with microwave-assisted reaction processes to convert traditional production by-products of chloromethane into recyclable siloxane intermediates, increasing raw material utilization from 65% to 92% while completely eliminating chlorine containing waste gas emissions.


Laboratory data shows that the new process can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 1.2 tons and energy consumption by 30% for every 1 ton of ethyl silicone oil produced. At present, the first 10000 ton green production line in China has been built and put into operation, with a product purity of 99.99%, meeting the strict restrictions on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) under the EU REACH regulation. It has passed the supply chain audits of multiple international cosmetics and pharmaceutical companies.


The traditional production of ethyl silicone oil relies on the reaction of Grignard reagent, which generates a large amount of chlorine containing waste and greenhouse gases. "The chief scientist of the project said," The new process reconstructs the catalytic circulation system to achieve atomic economic reactions, providing a key technological path for the low-carbon transformation of the silicone industry. "It is estimated that if this technology is promoted nationwide, it can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 100000 tons per year, equivalent to the carbon sequestration capacity of planting 5 million fir trees.


Market research institutions predict that as the global carbon neutrality process accelerates, green ethyl silicone oil will accelerate its replacement of traditional products in fields such as biomedical materials, environmentally friendly coatings, and new energy batteries. The compound annual growth rate of the market size is expected to exceed 15% from 2026 to 2030. This technological breakthrough may drive China's organic silicon industry to climb towards the high-end in the global value chain.