Biesterfeld to distribute Evonik rubber additives

Hamburg, Germany – German chemicals distributor Biesterfeld is expanding its partnership with Evonik by taking on the distribution of rubber additive Vestenamer in Europe.

Effective immediately, the partnership applies to all of Europe with the exception of Italy, said Biesterfeld 10 Nov.

The ‘trans-polyoctenamer rubber’ is suitable for use in a wide range of applications, for example rollers, hoses, profiles, seals, drive and conveyor belts.

Furthermore, the additive is increasingly being used in rubber recycling, and is suitable for applications in railway crossings, floor coverings, mats and traffic control systems.

Vestenamer consists of linear and cyclical macromolecules and is claimed to offer “outstanding properties” for the rubber processing industry.

The semicrystalline rubber has an unusually low viscosity: above the melting temperature of 100 °C and Mooney viscosity values of less than 10.

The product, according to Biesterfeld, has a high macrocycle content (>30%) and a low molecular weight compared to basic rubber polymers.

The additive also contains a double bond on every eighth carbon atom, allowing the polymer to be co-vulcanised with all common types of rubber.

"With Vestenamer in our product portfolio we can offer our customers one of the most versatile rubber additives,” said Franziska Toedter, supply chain specialist & sustainability specialist, Biesterfeld Performance Rubber.

According to Toedter, the material’s properties enable it to solve a range of problems in compounding and rubber processing.

In rubber recycling, the additive improves both process efficiency and component quality, allowing it to contribute to sustainability, she added.