Evonik-Wynca JV Starts Work on New Fumed Silica PlantEvonik-Wynca JV Starts Work on New Fumed Silica Plant

December 12, 2019

2 Min Read
Evonik-Wynca JV Starts Work on New Fumed Silica Plant
A joint venture between Evonik and Wynca is building a new fumed silica plant in China. Image courtesy of Evonik

Silicon Material Co. Ltd., a joint venture between German specialty chemicals and materials firm Evonik and Chinese company Wynca, held an event on December 10 to mark the beginning of construction on its new fumed silica plant in Zhenjiang, China.

The facility will produce about 9000 mt/yr of AEROSIL brand fumed silica, according to an Evonik press release announcing the groundbreaking. Products made at the site will be used in coatings and paints, adhesives, gel batteries, and silicones in China. 

“As a kind of Smart Materials, silica belongs to one of the four strategic growth engines identified by Evonik because of rapid market growth and extensive applications,” Andreas Fischer, board member of Evonik Resource Efficiency GmbH, said in a statement. “As our first fumed silica plant in China, the new plant in Zhenjiang will further improve the global production network of AEROSIL and ensure a more solid supply for Chinese customers.”

Silicon Material Co. Ltd.’s facility will use chlorosilanes from Wynca to produce the fumed silica products. Wynca will use hydrochloric acid and other by-products generated by the production process as a raw material at one of its plants.

“Evonik regards Asia, especially China, as an important growth region. China is currently undergoing an overall industrial transformation and upgrade. These changes will generate significant market opportunities for Evonik,” Dr. Claas Klasen, president of Evonik’s Asia Pacific North Region, said in the release. “The establishment of the new plant will further expand our business presence in China’s fumed silica market. Meanwhile, it’s also our pleasure to work closely with Wynca as our strong local partner, and to jointly explore this attractive market.”

Work on the site is slated to reach completion in 2021.

Earlier this year, Evonik announced that its “upper double-digit million euro” fumed silica plant in Antwerp, Belgium became operational. The company also added production capabilities for hydrophilic fumed silica at the Antwerp complex in response to increased demand for specialty hydrophobic silicas. 

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