- PPG increases silica production by 15,000 tons annually at Delfzijl.
- Expansion to be operational in 2016.
- Investment allows flexibility between conventional and Agilon silica.
- Agilon silica improves tire efficiency and industrial applications.
Expansion of Silica Production
PPG Industries is set to increase its precipitated silica production capacity by over 15,000 tons per year at its Delfzijl, Netherlands facility. This expansion is driven by the growing global demand for AGILON(R) performance silica products and is expected to be operational in 2016.
Meeting Global Demand
The increased capacity will help PPG meet the rising demand for its silica products, including large-scale Agilon volumes linked to a new multiyear global supply agreement with a multinational tire manufacturer. The investment will also provide the flexibility to switch production between conventional precipitated silica and Agilon performance silica as needed.
Technological Advancements
Agilon performance silica is a chemically-modified precipitated silica that enhances the performance of products in which it is used. It can improve vehicle fuel efficiency, tire traction, and treadwear by 5 to 10 percent when used in tires. In industrial rubber applications, it serves as a higher-performing substitute for conventional precipitated silica, carbon black, and other fillers, offering benefits like significant heat dissipation, high tensile strength, improved abrasion resistance, and lower compression set.
Historical Context
PPG has a long history in synthetic precipitated silica, being one of the first manufacturers to bring it to market in the 1930s. Today, PPG’s silica products are used globally in various applications, including tires, industrial rubber, footwear, silicone rubber, battery separators, coatings, adhesives, sealants, and as anti-caking agents in food and feed.
