DSM Elastomers to invest in Triunfo, Brazil

Geleen, the Netherlands - DSM Elastomers is to add a reactive extrusion facility at its EPDM factory in Triunfo, Brazil. The company declined to give the capacity of the new facility and refused to give a figure for the investment. It is likely to be on stream in the second half of this year.

The new unit comprises one or more extruders - the company declined to specify- in which EPDM or EPR polymer is first worked to reduce the molecular weight and then functionalising ingredients are added to modify the performance of the material.

Initially the company will use the facility to make viscosity improvers for motor oils, but the technology opens up new possibilities to make functionalised EPDM materials for other applications, said the company.

DSM said the global volume of EPR used in motor oils is around 70 000 tonnes. Christian Widdershoven, global marketing director for DSM Elastomers said DSM's share of that business is consistent with its share of the overall EPDM business, which is around 20 percent.