COLOGNE, Germany—Lanxess A.G. has launched two neodymium polybutadiene rubber grades to ease the production of fuel-efficient tires.
Buna Nd 22 EZ and Buna Nd 24 EZ are characterized by high molar masses necessary to fabricate tires with low rolling resistance, but, according to the company, remain easy to process with its new rubber modification technology.
The company said the new grades act as alternatives to NdPBR Buna CB22 and Buna CB24, which are widely used throughout the tire industry.
Lanxess is also on track with the construction of the world's largest NdPBR plant in Jurong Island, Singapore. The facility represents a $270.8 million investment and will have the annual capacity of 140,000 metric tons. The company said it will serve the market for green tires with Asia as a focus and create about 100 jobs.