Chinese scientists industrialize rare earth rubber for tougher tires

Chinese researchers have successfully industrialized a rare earth-based synthetic rubber production process, a critical component for manufacturing durable tires for electric and heavy-duty vehicles. The new facility, a joint effort by PetroChina's Dushanzi Petrochemical and the Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, boasts an annual production capacity of 100,000 tons.

This industrialization marks a significant step forward, leveraging over 60 years of research into rare earth catalytic synthesis of butadiene rubber, a field pioneered by the institute in the 1960s. Synthetic rubber, primarily derived from petroleum by-products, is vital for the transport industry, manufacturing, and national defense.

The process specifically uses rare earth metals, such as neodymium, as catalysts. China's dominance in neodymium production positions it strategically in the supply chain for this advanced material, which is engineered for enhanced durability and elasticity, particularly in high-grade cis-butadiene rubber used for tires.