Cabot and China National Bluestar Group have reported that a new fumed silica extension project has been completed at the Spark Industrial Park, which is located in Jiangxi Province of China.
During September 2012, both the companies commenced the project expansion. This extension establishes the position of Cabo as one of the key producers of fumed silica in the globe. Currently, the Jiangxi location can manufacture products up to 15,000 t annually, and also can further extend the production to 20,000 t on increase in demand in Asia.
The plant has integrated sophisticated manufacturing technologies for manufacturing a variety of electronics-grade fumed silica with high purity for major growth segments, which include silicone components for use in industrial and automotive applications, composite elements like boat hulls, automotive panels and windmill blades, and electronics applications like electrophoretic toners, solar panel adhesives and CMP slurries.
Cabot’s CEO and President, Patrick Prevost stated that the power of the companies’ partnership is demonstrated through this Jiangxi site. Bluestar and Cabot are identifying innovative methods for the creation of enabling products for its customers using sustainable manufacturing technologies, he added.
China National Bluestar Group’s President and Founder, Ren Jianxin commented that Cabot’s partnership is essential to Bluestar’s potential for resource optimization and to form a closed loop system, showing Bluestar’s commitment to protection of environment and conservation of resources. The Cabot Bluestar expansion forms a base for the future growth in the silicone and performance materials industry and enables increasing the manufacturing capacity at the Bluestar Silicon Monomer facility and downstream silicones compounding, according to Ren.
Fumed silica is a set of particles that are very-fine and non-porous, which enable increased performance in several applications, which include adhesives, coatings, composites, silicones and toners.