ExxonMobil begins production of butyl rubber using new technology

Houston, Texas -- ExxonMobil Chemical has begun butyl rubber production using “breakthrough” technology, at its plant in Notre Dame de Gravenchon, France.

The company said in a 31 July statement that the technology would enable it to significantly increase its butyl rubber production capacity from its existing plants, as well as “improving energy efficiencies,” as it enables the butyl rubber polymerisation process to be run at more efficient temperatures.

“This is possibly the biggest breakthrough in butyl process technology since the invention of halobutyl,” said Art Sullivan, Global Butyl Polymers vice president at ExxonMobil, in the statement.

“It is the culmination of our relentless focus and investment in research and development, and it demonstrates the continued technical leadership of ExxonMobil and our continued commitment to the global tyre industry,” he added.

The company plans to introduce the technology at its other butyl plants around the world, but the details of the plan “including the timing and target capacity increment are yet to be finalised,” according to the company.

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Press release from Exxon