Lanxess Strengthens Commitment to Brazilian Automotive Sector

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LANXESS AG

Extra Capacities of High-performance Rubber for ‘Green Tires’

Lanxess is the leader in high-performance synthetic rubbers for ‘Green Tires’ — the fastest growing sector in the tire industry, with an annual growth rate of about 10 percent. Demand is being driven by the megatrend mobility as well as motorists calling for higher environmental and safety standards. In addition, demand will be accelerated by tire legislation in the European Union, which aims to reduce CO₂ and noise emissions by promoting ‘Green Tires’ that do not compromise on safety. Corresponding legislation has also been passed in South Korea.

In order to meet this demand, Lanxess is expanding its global capacities for high-performance rubbers used in ‘Green Tires’, including those at its Brazilian sites. Lanxess has been implementing a capacity expansion at its production facility for neodymium polybutadiene rubber (Nd-PBR) in Cabo de Santo Agostinho, Pernambuco. It will complete the expansion by the end of 2011, doubling capacity to 40,000 metric tons per year. In addition, Lanxess has upgraded technology at the plant to the same levels used at its Nd-PBR plants in Germany and the USA.

Nd-PBR is used in the treads and sidewalls of ‘Green Tires’. It helps reduce the energy consumption or rolling resistance of a tire. Nd-PBR also reduces abrasion thus playing a significant role in making tires more durable.

Technology Ipgrade for High-performance Rubber at Triunfo

At the same time, Lanxess has already initiated a feasibility study to implement new technology in order to switch production of emulsion styrene-butadiene rubber (ESBR) used in standard tires to solution styrene butadiene rubber (SSBR) used in ‘Green Tires’ at Triunfo. The current capacity for ESBR in Triunfo is 110,000 metric tons per year and the switch would potentially require a medium-size, double-digit € million amount. A final decision will be made mid-2012.

SSBR is mainly used in the tread compound of 'Green Tires', where it helps to reduce rolling resistance and improve grip on wet roads. ‘Green Tires’ can reach their peak performance with formulations containing both SSBR and Nd-PBR.

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