Low molecular weight polyisobutylene (PIB): industrial and economic applications, market analysis

The article discusses one of the most popular polymers today - low molecular weight polyisobutylene (PIB). Its production and economic purpose is revealed, and an analysis of the market for this polymer is carried out. Low molecular weight polyisobutylene is one of the most popular materials in manufacturing and can be used in various industries. Low molecular weight polyisobutylene is ideal for use in a variety of industries such as conveyor belts, sealing materials, adhesives, sealants, emulsifiers and many others. Low molecular weight polyisobutylene is also widely used in the production of elastomers, which find applications in the automotive, aerospace and oil and gas industries. Elastomers containing PIB are highly elastic and resistant to various types of influences, such as high temperature, petroleum products and other chemicals. The low molecular weight polyisobutylene market is one of the most dynamically developing in the world; the production capacity of PIB (low molecular weight, medium molecular weight, high molecular weight) is more than 1 million tons per year. The share of polyisobutylene imports in Russia today is 99%, and the share of suppliers who have stopped supplies to Russia due to sanctions in the total volume of imports is about 85% (1). The only manufacturer of high-molecular and low-molecular PIB in Russia is JSC Efremov Synthetic Rubber Plant, which produces about 4000 MT of polymer. Considering the large share of suppliers who left the Russian market, there was an urgent need to find alternative suppliers, as well as import substitution. The Russian low molecular weight polyisobutylene market is a competitive and dynamic sector that is currently experiencing increased demand from consumers. Taking into account the sanctions, the main supply region is becoming Asian, while Russian manufacturers are actively investing in the creation of domestic production of low molecular weight polyisobutylene. The Russian polyisobutylene market continues to grow, and the demand for this material remains stable.