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Evonik, a leading specialty chemicals company, has announced the commencement of expansion work on its POLYVEST® HT plant in Marl, Germany. This development signifies a major step in increasing the production capacity of hydroxyl-terminated polybutadienes (HTPB), a crucial component in modern adhesive and sealant applications.

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Marketed under the brand name POLYVEST®, the expanded production capabilities are anticipated to be operational by the second quarter of 2024, following an investment in the double-digit million-euro range.

Dr. Stefan Pfaffenbach, head of the Coating & Adhesive Resins business line at Evonik, expressed the company's dedication to maintaining reliable service to its global customers through this expansion. He emphasized that in a highly competitive market, this move is a strategic step to reinforce Evonik's position as a leader in both cost and innovation.

This expansion comes a decade after the initial start of production at the HTPB plant in Marl. Dr. Jürgen Herwig, who leads the Polybutadienes and Specialty Acrylates product line, commented on the dual-use nature of polybutadienes, noting that they require considerable sensitivity and expertise in handling, both with customers and regulatory authorities. He highlighted the team's reliance on their colleagues' experience and expertise in marketing this specialized product, especially in light of the increased capacity.

The production process of POLYVEST® is backward-integrated, meaning key raw materials such as butadiene and hydrogen peroxide are produced directly at the Marl site or supplied by the Evonik Group, ensuring a secure supply chain. Furthermore, the Marl site also houses Evonik's Application Technology and Research & Development teams. This proximity enables a seamless transition from laboratory development and testing to production.

POLYVEST® HT, a liquid, hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene produced by free-radical polymerization, features a highly hydrophobic polybutadiene backbone with primary hydroxyl groups, allowing for precise chemical modification. It's primarily used as a polyol component in various adhesive and sealant applications, with POLYVEST® HT-A being specifically designed for aerospace applications.

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According to the article by Procurement Resource, Evonik is expanding its POLYVEST® HT plant in Marl, Germany, investing in double-digit millions to enhance its hydroxyl-terminated polybutadienes production, crucial for adhesive and sealant applications, by Q2 2024.