Sibur unveils proprietary catalyst for propylene

Russia’s largest producer of polymers Sibur says it has introduced a proprietary catalyst technology for propylene production, the feedstock for polypropylene (PP).

Sibur currently produces approximately 2 million tonnes of PP/year, supplying both the domestic and international markets. The company is now building a new production complex that will position Russia as one of the biggest global producers of PP.

The new catalyst, named Nobel, aims to ensure technological independence for Sibur in the production chain for PP, one of the most in-demand synthetic materials in the market today.

The catalyst is used in the propane dehydrogenation process to produce propylene, which is then converted into PP, which is widely used in manufacturing packaging materials, medical devices, polymer pipes for water supply and heating systems, as well as automotive components.

The main challenge in developing the catalyst was creating a stable and efficient support system in the form of alumina oxide spheres.

Previously, this support material was imported from Europe, with only three countries worldwide possessing the necessary production technology. Through a combination of laboratory research and production testing, Sibur adds it successfully developed a catalyst comparable to leading imported alternatives within a short time frame.