SIBUR will provide itself with neodymium catalyst for the production of synthetic rubber

The modernization of the neodymium versatate synthesis unit at Nizhnekamskneftekhim will make it possible to fully meet the needs of SIBUR's enterprises for a key catalyst in the production of high-quality synthetic rubber, the holding's press center reported.

"The launch of the updated neodymium versatate synthesis unit is a contribution to the company's strategic task: to ensure the sustainability of supply chains and technological independence. The volumes of catalyst production will make it possible to meet the needs of our enterprises and provide materials for tires for almost the entire passenger car fleet of the country," said Sergey Zolototrubov, director of the synthetic rubber plant at Nizhnekamskneftekhim.

The increase in capacity by 28%, to 485 tons per year, will make it possible to meet the needs of Nizhnekamskneftekhim and Voronezhsintezkauchuk in neodymium versatate, which is necessary for the production of up to 250,000 tons of polybutadiene rubber per year. The catalyst has passed tests at the SIBUR PolyLab research center in Nizhnekamsk, as well as homologation at industrial facilities, which confirmed its compliance with quality standards and suitability for application.

Polybutadiene rubbers of the SKD-N and SKD-ND brands, manufactured using neodymium versatate, have high elasticity, strength, and wear resistance, and are widely used in the production of premium-class tires, especially for high-speed vehicles, as well as in construction and mechanical engineering, where materials with high reliability and durability are required.