Sibur advances catalyst technology for synthetic rubber production

Nizhnekamsk, Russia – Russian energy and materials group Sibur, in collaboration with Kazan Federal University, has developed a new catalyst technology for skeletal isomerisation of butenes, a key component for the manufacture of synthetic rubbers.

In a 10 Oct statement, Sibur said it has tested the technology at its manufacturing site in Nizhnekamsk and completed the production of isoprene rubbers.

The development will enable Sibur to switch to a local catalyst technology by 2027-2029, eliminating the current need to import most synthetic rubber catalysts, said the company.

Sibur said the new technology is part of its joint programmes with partners to ensure technological independence for the production of key components for synthetic rubbers and ABS plastics.

Another project, it said, is the development of a catalyst for butane dehydrogenation using the Houdry technology, which is used to produce divinyl (butadiene 1, 3), a raw material for synthetic rubbers and plastics.

The availability of this material, Sibur noted, directly impacts the production of various rubbers used in tires, roofing, rubber products, and road construction.

According to the Russian major, the catalyst for this process was previously purchased from ‘the only foreign manufacturer in the world.”

Sibur, in collaboration with Russian research and production company NPK Sintez, said it has developed the catalyst domestically, achieving "complete technological independence."

“After three months of use at the Tobolsk plant, the catalyst produced from Russian raw materials using the new technology is as good as its imported counterpart,” it added.

In 2023, Sibur said it imported seven synthetic rubber brands as part of its project to support tire manufacturers.

A total of 38.8 million tire were produced in Russia last year, and production is expected to grow by 6% to around 41 million units in 2024, according to Sibur.

The growth in demand is largely due to increased car sales, particularly of Chinese brands.