New Generation Stereoregular cis-1,4-Polybutadiene Produced by NIZHNEKAMSKNEFTEKHIM PJSC Part I. Technical characteristics of «neodymium» polybutadienes and production processing of rubber with the SKDN trademark at Nizhnekamskneftekhim PJSC

Abstract

The history of the creation of serial production of «neodymium» cis-1,4-polybutadienes (SKDN) in PJSC «Nizhnekamskneftekhim» is described. The main criteria for the selection of a neodymium catalyst and the basic processing scheme for the production of SKDN are presented. The features of the molecular structure that provide unique processing and operational characteristics of SKDN vulcanizates are considered and compared with data for other types of industrial butadiene rubbers. The commercially produced SKDN has an average level of molecular mass distribution (Mw/Mn ~ 3,0–3,5). The Mooney viscosity of rubbers on various catalytic systems is compared with the viscosity of rubber compounds based on them. The linear structure of SKDN and the high content of cis-1,4-units ensures the formation of a vulcanization network with minimal defects and good level of rolling resistance of rubbers based on it, estimated by the indicator tgδ at 60 °C, as well as sufficiently high rebound resilience, wear resistance and durability. The main share of rubber (up to 90 %) is sold in the export version, which indicates that its quality complies with international standards. SKDN is the most promising for the production of HP tires that meet modern requirements for fuel efficiency of vehicles and reduce the negative impact on the environment.