A new synthetic rubber production facility utilizing rare earth metals has begun operations in Xinjiang, marking a significant advancement in materials for electric vehicle and heavy-duty vehicle tires. The plant, operated by Dushanzi Petrochemical, a subsidiary of PetroChina, started production on July 16 and is designed to produce up to 100,000 tonnes of high-strength butadiene rubber annually.
The facility employs rare earth catalytic technology developed over the past six decades, rooted in early research by the Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. This technology uses neodymium—one of the rare earth metals primarily found in China—as a catalyst in synthetic rubber synthesis, offering enhanced material properties compared to conventional metal catalysts such as nickel, titanium, or cobalt.
Butadiene rubber, a key component in synthetic rubber manufacturing, is valued for its resilience, tear resistance, and elasticity. When catalyzed by rare earth metals, the rubber exhibits greater strength, improved wear resistance, reduced internal heat buildup, and increased performance at low temperatures. These qualities make it particularly suited for use in electric vehicle tires, which require durability and efficiency, as well as in heavy-duty vehicle applications.
Synthetic rubber production, which predominantly relies on petroleum byproducts like styrene and butadiene rather than natural rubber, has long been considered strategically important in China. According to a 2020 study by the Sinopec Beijing Research Institute of Chemical Industry, synthetic rubber plays a vital role across various sectors, including daily consumer products, industry, transportation, and national defense.
The Changchun Institute has a historic role in advancing synthetic rubber technologies in China, having pioneered research on rare earth catalytic synthesis of butadiene rubber in the 1960s. The institute also contributed to China’s early strategic defense efforts, notably supporting the “two bombs, one satellite” program that led to the development of nuclear weapons and space launch capabilities during the mid-20th century.
Recent efforts led by Changchun researcher Bi Jifu focus on refining catalyst control and automating butadiene rubber production processes. The collaboration between the Changchun Institute and Dushanzi Petrochemical, ongoing since 2006, has transitioned these innovations from the laboratory to industrial-scale manufacturing. Officials emphasize that the new facility will strengthen China’s supply chain security for this critical material, helping to meet growing domestic demand and reduce reliance on foreign technology.