Zeon Chemicals produces elastomers with bio-derived materials

ZEON Chemicals L.P. is currently undertaking production trials of synthetic rubber that is both sustainable and reduces the dependency of fossil fuel at its Hattiesburg, Missouri manufacturing facility.

Hydrin elastomers use an epichlorohydrin monomer derived from palm and other vegetable oils during the production trials; W

“Use of the bio-derived monomer allows us to have a more environmentally conscious production, in accordance with our corporate social responsibility initiatives,” said Clark Cable, Hydrin Business Manager.

“In the chemical production environment, we have to constantly seek methods and materials for our customers that help lower our impact on the environment. Because we are developing bio-derived monomer we should be able to reduce our carbon footprint. That makes Hydrin an exceptional choice for our end users,” added Sam Harber, Senior Applications Development Chemist.

The specific characteristics of the Hydrin include broad temperature ranging from -40 degrees C to >125 degrees C continuous; >150 degrees C short-term; a range of dynamic properties , from damping to resilient; inherently electrostatic dissipative; very permeation resistant to gases that in most instances exceeds butyl; hydrocarbon resistant-fossil and bio-fuels.

Hydrin is used in a wide array of applications, including automotive hoses, air ducts, diaphragms, laser printer rolls and vibration dampening devices.