Solutia is one of the world's largest producers of chemicals for the rubber and tire industry. These rubber chemical products help control the process of manufacturing rubber, while improving its durability, flexibility, and appearance.
A critical step in converting raw rubber to finished rubber is the process of vulcanization. Vulcanization is the method of treating rubber with sulfur at great heat to improve the elasticity and strength of rubber. One of the key products in the Solutia portfolio is Crystex® insoluble sulfur.
Insoluble Sulfur
Insoluble sulfur is the vulcanizing agent of choice for the tire industry. Crystex® is a polymeric form of sulfur that is a non-blooming vulcanizing agent for rubber. By being insoluble in rubber, Crystex® prevents sulfur migration and, in turn, bloom which interferes with the tire building process. The use of insoluble sulfur is critical for the manufacture of quality radial tires.
Rubber Chemicals
Para-phenylenediamines (PPDs) are known as antidegradants, which are chemicals that prevent premature aging and degradation of rubber. Premature aging can occur in rubber due to ozone and/or oxygen attack which causes the rubber to degrade, resulting in reduced flexibility and shorter service life of finished parts.
The most significant family of PPD products are those based on the 4-aminodiphenylamine (4-ADPA) intermediate which is reacted with a ketone to produce the final PPD product. Solutia holds a series of patents for its innovative manufacturing process of the key intermediate 4-ADPA.
Santoflex PPDs are predominantly used in the tire market segment.
Technology
Solutia has a proud history of developing new technologies to answer customer needs and move the industry forward. Solutia collaborates with customers at the global, corporate and local levels to focus its research and development to answer the challenges facing the industry today and in the future. For example, Solutia's Process Technology Group works closely with customer facilities to continuously develop new and improved production processes. These improvements save time and lower costs to provide customers with a business advantage in today's largely commoditized market.
Products & Applications
Crystex and Santoflex products set the industry standards for delivery of critical performance in tires, other rubber products and specialty chemicals. Customers around the world depend on Solutia for high-performance chemicals, exceptional service and industry leadership.
eBusiness Capabilities
eBusiness is a secure, easy way to conduct business. Solutia offers customers secure online ordering capabilities, along with quick access to critical information, such as shipping documents, invoices, order history data, etc.
To learn more about eBusiness benefits and other features, review our eBusiness Brochure here.
Or, for more information, please contact eBusiness@flexsys.com.
