Lanxess might make E-SBR masterbatch in Brazil

ERJ staff report (DS)

Leverkusen, Germany - Lanxess has said it is considering the manufacture of black masterbatch in Brazil, using an emulsion process.

The company said, “wet mixing during BMB manufacture leads to better dispersion of the filler particles,” but did not clarify the process. Historically, Lanxess and others have tried to develop a commercially-successful process to add carbon black in the emulsion stage of rubber production, prior to drying the rubber, and then to dry the mixed material to form a masterbatch.

Lanxess said the move would serve to meet the growing raw material demands of the retread industry, which is especially strongly represented in North and South America. 18 million respectively 9 million truck and bus tires get retread every year in these regions.

The company said it might modify plants in either Triunfo or Caxias to the wet process, but did not say when, or what capacity might be affected, or what the decision criteria might be.

Lanxess said, “the entire range of oil-extended ESBR grades has been offered with "safe" processing oils since January 1, 2010. In addition, from April 1, 2010 only metal boxes will be used for the primary packaging to offer customers better protection against contamination than is possible with wood or cardboard.”

This is an external link and should open in a new window. If the window does not appear, please check your pop-up blocking software. ERJ is not responsible for the content of external sites.

Press release from Lanxess