Evonik adding production capacities for hydroxyl-terminated polybutadienes

Essen, Germany – Evonik Industries AG is investing a “double-digit million-euro” amount to the add production capacity for hydroxyl-terminated polybutadienes (HTPB) in Marl, Germany.

Set for completion in the second quarter of 2024, the investment will increase the supply of Polyvest-branded polybutadienes for applications in adhesives and sealants, said the group 15 Dec.

Production is backward-integrated, as butadiene is produced directly at the Marl site, where Evonik makes hydrogen peroxide.

As a result, the German group said it has “supply-security for the raw materials” produced at the site.

Evonik produces Polyvest HT in Marl – a liquid HTPB produced by free-radical polymerisation.

The polymer has a highly hydrophobic polybutadiene backbone and primary hydroxyl groups that are accessible for precise chemical modification.

Polyvest HT is used as a polyol component in various adhesive and sealant applications, while Polyvest HT-A is used as a binder in solid rocket propellants for aerospace applications.

The expansion comes ten years after the start of production at the HTPB plant in Marl.

“Dual-use products such as polybutadienes require a high degree of sensitivity and expertise when dealing with customers and authorities,” said Dr Juergen Herwig, head of polybutadienes and specialty acrylates.

Evonik is, therefore, strengthening its position as “a cost and innovation leader [in a] “highly competitive market”.