Under the agreement, Tatneft will build plants producing 70,000 t/y nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) and 30,000 t/y carboxylate styrene butadiene rubber latexes (XSBR) using Versalis technology. Tatneft did not reveal when the plants would go into operation.

NBR rubbers have high resistance to aliphatic hydrocarbons, gasoline and lubricants, as well as good flexibility at low temperatures, making them suitable for use in various industrial fields. XSBR latexes are used in the production of adhesives, paper and cardboard coverings and mat bases, among other products.

Tatneft said the project is the next step in its plans for a petrochemical cluster at the site. The group bought the Togliatti rubber assets from Sibur in November 2019, saying at the time that it intended to develop them further in line with its gas and petrochemical strategy.

Sibur made the divestment as it wanted to “concentrate efforts on establishing and developing global-scale production of basic polymers, high-potential medium-tonnage products and premium special chemicals.”

Author: Elaine Burridge, Freelance Journalist