Nizhnekamsk advances synthetic rubber plans

The move is part of a plan by the Tatarstan-based company to expand its synthetic rubber production capacity to 1,000ktpa

In a statement in Russian, the  company explained that the facility is the first of three projects implemented as part of the programme to increase production of isoprene rubber SKI-3 to 330ktpa.

Work on two other projects, to upgrade isoprene and isobutylene production facilities, continues, the Russian rubber and petrochemicals manufacturer added.

According to Nizhnekamskneftekhim formaldehyde is the raw material for the production of isoprene by a one-stage synthesis.

The new plant uses Johnson Mattey’s Formox technology, based on a methoxyl oxidative dehydrogenation process.

The next step, he said, was to “increase the production of synthetic rubber”.

In August, Nizhnekamskneftekhim announced plans to increase production of isoprene rubber SKI from its current 270ktpa.

The company is also planning to increase its production of butyl and halobutyl rubber to 220ktpa by 2021.

In total, the Russian company aims to increase synthetic rubber volumes to 1,000ktpa by 2021.