Global Rubber Processing Chemicals

7th Edition

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This study covers the global market for rubber processing chemicals. Demand is provided in metric tons for 2008, 2013, and 2018, with forecasts for 2023 and 2028. Data are provided for six major geographic regions and 21 individual nations. Within this study, the word “demand” is used synonymously with “consumption”, and includes captive consumption. Demand for these chemicals includes only those quantities used in rubber processing; quantities used in the processing of plastics and other materials are excluded.

There is no universally accepted definition of the term “rubber processing chemical”. For the purposes of this study, the term includes only chemicals used in rubber compounding under the following functional product types:

• antidegradants, which include antioxidants, antiozonants, and stabilizers
• accelerators, which include retarders
• other processing chemicals, including adhesion promoters, blowing agents, colorants, dispersing agents, mold release agents, odorants, peptizers, processing aids and plasticizers, secondary vulcanizing agents and other non-sulfur curing agents, and tackifiers

Reinforcing materials (such as silica and carbon black), inert fillers, extenders, processing oils, and diluents (such as clay, talk, and calcium) are excluded from the scope of this study. Also excluded from consideration are waxes, sulfur, zinc oxide, and stearic acid.

Rubber consumption includes both natural and synthetic rubber. Rubber consumption figures refer to the “dry weight” of the rubber (i.e., they do not include the weight of extender oil or any additives). These figures include only new rubber; reclaimed rubber is excluded.

Rubber consumption comprises two applications:

• Tire rubber consumption includes the rubber used in all motor vehicle type tires, bicycle tires, motorcycle tires, and off-road vehicle tires, as well as retreads and inner tubes.
• Non-tire rubber includes all remaining quantities, including rubber used in such products as hoses, belts, gaskets and seals, footwear, and medical supplies, among numerous others.