Rubber Catalysts | VALIKAT & VALIREX
Homogeneous Polymerization Catalysts, Hydrogenation Catalyst Precursors and Vulcanizing Agents
Umicore offers a wide range of high-quality metal carboxylates, including different combinations of metals and organic acids. For the Rubber & Elastomers industry, we manufacture homogeneous hydrogenation catalyst precursors (Co, Ni), polymerization catalysts (Co, Nd, Ni), and vulcanizing agents (Zn).
To achieve optimal performance and desired product properties, it's crucial to choose the right type and grade of rubber catalyst for your specific application. Explore our product range in the overview below and choose the right match for your application!
Neodymium Versatate Polymerization Catalysts for Polybutadiene Rubber (PBR)
Our VALIKAT neodymium versatate products are high-performance metal carboxylates. They form the core of the Ziegler-Natta-type complex used for the polymerization of dienes.
Using our neodymium catalysts, you can manufacture polybutadiene rubber with ultrahigh cis-content (exceeding 98%). This property reduces the polybutadiene tires’ rolling resistance, which results in an overall lower fuel consumption of vehicles.
This makes Nd-based polybutadiene rubber a suitable eco-friendly material for “green tires”, having a positive impact on the environment.
| VALIKAT Nd 8.8 H | Neodymium versatate with 8.8% metal content, diluted in hexane. Used as polymerization catalyst precursor in PBR. |
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| VALIKAT Nd 8.8 C | Neodymium versatate with 8.8% metal content, diluted in cyclohexane. Used as polymerization catalyst precursor in PBR. |
Cobalt Neodecanoate Polymerization Catalyst for Polybutadiene Rubber (PBR)
Our VALIKAT cobalt neodecanoate is a high-performance metal carboxylate that forms the core of the Ziegler-Natta-type complex used for polymerization of dienes. Our cobalt catalyst enables the production of polybutadiene rubber with a high cis-content (96%).
| VALIREX Co 10 Neo X | Cobalt neodecanoate with 10% metal content, diluted in xylene. Used as polymerization catalyst precursor in PBR. |
Cobalt Octoate & Cobalt Neodecanoate Catalyst Precursors for Hydrogenation of Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) & Styrene-Isoprene-Styrene (SIPS) Block Copolymers
Our VALIREX/VALIKAT Co products are used as catalyst precursors for the hydrogenation of Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) and Styrene-Isoprene-Styrene (SIPS) block co-polymers. Hydrogenation of SBS and SIPS elastomers results in improved thermo-oxidative properties (heat and UV resistance).
| VALIREX Co 10 Neo D60 | Cobalt neodecanoate with 10% metal content, diluted in D60. Used as a hydrogenation catalyst precursor in SBS/SIPS. |
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| VALIREX Co 10 D60 | Cobalt octoate with 10% metal content, diluted in D60. Used as a hydrogenation catalyst precursor in SBS/SIPS. |
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| VALIKAT Co 1210 LV | Cobalt neodecanoate with 12% metal content. Low-viscosity grade. Used as a hydrogenation catalyst precursor in SBS/SIPS. |
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| VALIREX Co 12 D60 | Cobalt octoate with 12% metal content, diluted in D60. Used as a hydrogenation catalyst precursor in SBS/SIPS. |
Nickel Carboxylate Polymerization Catalysts for Polybutadiene Rubber (PBR)
Our VALIREX nickel products are top-performing metal carboxylates that serve as the foundation for the Ziegler-Natta-type complex utilized for polymerization of dienes. Utilizing our nickel catalysts ensures the production of polybutadiene rubber with a high cis-content (96%).
| VALIREX Ni 5 N T | Nickel carboxylate with 5% metal content, diluted in toluene. Used as polymerization catalyst precursor in PBR. |
Nickel Octoate Catalyst Precursors for Hydrogenation of Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) & Styrene-Isoprene-Styrene (SIPS) Block Copolymers
Our VALIREX Ni products are used as catalyst precursors for the hydrogenation of Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) and Styrene-Isoprene-Styrene (SIPS) block co-polymers. Hydrogenation of SBS and SIPS elastomers results in improved thermo-oxidative properties (heat and UV resistance).
| VALIREX Ni 10 D40 | Nickel octoate with 10% metal content, diluted in D40. Used as a hydrogenation catalyst precursor in SBS/SIPS. |
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| VALIREX Ni 10 D60 | Nickel octoate with 10% metal content, diluted in D60. Used as a hydrogenation catalyst precursor in SBS/SIPS. |
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| VALIREX Ni 13 D30 | Nickel octoate with 13% metal content, diluted in D30. Used as a hydrogenation catalyst precursor in SBS/SIPS. |
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| VALIREX Ni 13 D60 | Nickel octoate with 13% metal content, diluted in D60. Used as a hydrogenation catalyst precursor in SBS/SIPS. |
Zinc Carboxylate Vulcanizing Agents
Our zinc carboxylates act as vulcanizing aids, which are also known as cross-linking agents or crosslinkers. They are utilized in rubber production to enhance the physical properties of the material, such as strength and durability.
Our products promote the cross-linking of polymer chains by forming chemical bonds. This results in the creation of a robust, three-dimensional network structure that improves the visco-elastic properties of the rubber.
| VALIREX Zn 12 D60 CAT | Zinc carboxylate with 12% metal content, diluted in D60. Used as a vulcanizing agent in rubbers & elastomers. |
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| VALIKAT Zn 12 D60 CAT | 2-EHA-free zinc carboxylate with 12% metal content, diluted in D60. Used as a vulcanizing agent in rubbers & elastomers. |
Your experienced partner for tailor-made Rubber Catalyst solutions.
Get in touch with our experts.
If you cannot find what you need in our product overview, please note that Umicore provides customized solutions to meet the requirements of your specific formulation or process. As an experienced manufacturer of metal carboxylates, we can support you in developing the appropriate product. Our R&D department is ready to assist you with analyses and testing to fulfill your needs. We are equipped with a polymerization set-up to synthesize PBR rubbers. Additionally, we provide pilot plant capacity to facilitate the smooth scale-up of your tailor-made catalyst.
