Trial production of styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) is ramped up by Sibur at its site in Voronezh (Russia), the company said yesterday. Demand in segments such as compounds and glues will be met by the new capacities.
The construction of the Voronezh complex completed in January 2020. Since then, the complex has produced 3,000 metric tons of new TPE grades.
Production of TPEs increased by 50,000 metric tons/year by the launch of Sibur’s project for road construction, roof coating, and other industries in 2018. TPEs’ total capacity at the complex is set to increase to 135,000 metric tons/year. The project benefited from support given by the government.
The production of polymer-bitumen binders (PBBs) is one of the key application areas of TPEs. In road pavements, PBBs are part of the top layer. PBBs help extend the time between repairs and the life of pavement to 7–10 years, from 3–4 years.
