UNIONTOWN, Ohio—ChemSpec Ltd. introduced several new products in the polyisobutylene market through its ongoing exclusive distributorship relationships in North America with Shandong Hongrui Petrochemical Co. Ltd. (HRD) and Elastomer Trading Ltd. for medium and high molecular weight PIB.
The portfolio expansion is a response to the significant growth trajectory anticipated in the PIB market, according to a statement. Estimated at $4.33 billion in 2015, the market's growth is rising thanks to demand from end-users in industries such as adhesive and sealants, medical, pharmaceutical, automotive, fuel, lubricant and grease, and chewing gum.
ChemSpec, a member of the Safic-Alcan Group, is a management-owned distributor of specialty chemical additives and specialty elastomers for polymer industrial and cosmetics markets.
Shandong Hongrui Petrochemical of Pingyin, China, produces medium molecular weight PIB, and operate in compliance with ISO 9000, ISO 1400, GB/T 28001 and ISO 22000 management systems. Working with HRD, ChemSpec distributes medium molecular weight PIB for market applications such as caulking for windows, doors, and roofs; lubricants and greases; fuel additives; liquid polymers/elastomers; chewing gums; and food grade products. Its products include:
HRD Industrial Grade Series—The series' benefits include good humidity and gas barrier, cold flow and self-healing, chemical aqueous solution barrier, low conductivity, high water proof, and food grade available. For building and roof applications, they also deliver humidity barrier, weather resistance, no shrinkage, environmentally friendly and require no external plasticizers.
- HRD Food Grade and Gum Base Series—The series' benefits include high compatibility with fillers, long-lasting fragrance release, age resistance, and compatibility with gum base components.
Elastomer Trading, of Essex, England, produces high molecular weight PIB products. Its products include:
- ETL/HMW PIB Series—Due to its molecular structure, the material is relatively inert and resistant to chemical or oxidative attack. Chemically stable with good processability, they are also odorless, tasteless and nontoxic. They can be used for applications including roofing films, coatings, adhesives, sealants, magnetic films, pipe wrap, electrical and cable insulation, and medical.
"Progressively expanding our exclusive distribution with our PIB partners allows us to provide end-users with a wider range of possibilities for innovative advantages in product development and production," ChemSpec President Dave Moreland said in a statement. "Ultimately, this will allow us to aggressively react to the growing PIB market with expanded offerings in growth market segments including: medical, pharmaceutical, adesives and sealants, and beyond."