Written on 18.03.2013 - Technology
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Zeon produces SR with 20 – 25 % bio-derived monomer

Production of a synthetic rubber that is both sustainable and reduces the dependency of fossil fuel has started at Zeon Chemicals L.P.’s Hattiesburg, MS, USA, manufacturing facility. An epichlorohydrin monomer derived from palm and other vegetable oils is being used in the production of Hydrin polyepichlorohydrin elastomers.

According to Zeon, its R+D testing has proven the monomer to be chemically identical to its previous product, so the resultant polymers are the same. Specific characteristics of the Hydrin line containing 20 – 25 % bio-derived material include:

a broad temperature range from -40 °C to more than 125 °C continuous and more than 150 °C short-term,
a range of dynamic properties – from damping to resilient,
inherently electrostatic dissipative,
permeation resistant to gases – exceeds butyl in most instances, and
hydrocarbon resistant – fossil and bio-fuels.

The material can be used e. g. in automotive hoses, air ducts, diaphragms, laser printer rolls, and vibration dampening devices.

Zeon Chemicals L.P. offers Hydrin ECO polymers from three different classes of polyepichlorohydrin: CO (homopolymer), ECO (copolymer) and GECO (terpolymer). Each type is available in several ranges of Mooney viscosity. Each has the capability to be blended with the other for property enhancement. Blending can also be done with other elastomers so long as the cure sites are compatible, says the company.