Eastman Chemical Co. has unveiled a new insoluble sulfur that it said will help tire manufacturers improve the productivity of their compounding operations.
Crystex Cure Pro was introduced during the ACS Rubber Division International Elastomer Conference in Cleveland. Compared to traditional insoluble sulfur materials, Eastman said the Crystex Cure Pro line offers superior dispersion, improved thermal stability, enhanced flow, less oil and more sulfur.
“It’s a unique insoluble sulfur vulcanization aide that has been demonstrated to have the potential to enhance the productivity of tire plants in reducing the number of mixing steps,” said Lucrece Foufopoulos, vice president and general manager for Eastman’s rubber additives. “In shortening the time on the calender unit, it generates productivity improvements and cost savings as a result of that.”
Besides product differentiation, Eastman also wants to ensure a reliability of supply around the globe. To that end, the firm is on track to open a new factory in Kuantan, Malaysia, that it claims will be the world’s largest producer of insoluble sulfur. Eastman didn’t disclose details on the Malaysian project, but expects to open in during 2018’s first quarter. The plant is on the site of an existing Eastman facility, and rubber additives is one of three company businesses that are expanding there.
Eastman has four rubber chemicals factories in the U.S., two in Europe, two main locations in Asia and one plant in Latin America.
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