Gypsum industry news

China: Rui Silicone subsidiary Ruijiang has commissioned a new methyl hydrogen silicone oil RJ-202 plant in China following completion of a successful test run on 10 February 2021. The plant will supply the gypsum wallboard industry with methyl hydrogen silicone oil for use as a waterproofing additive. It will also produce hexamethyldisilazane RJ-HMDZ, hexamethyldisiloxane RJ-MM, heptamethyltrisiloxane RJ-HMTS and some other modified silicone oils.

Malaysia: BRB has opened a 10,000t/yr silicone synthesis plant to manufacture additives for the construction industry. The multipurpose silicone plant was officially opened on 2 June 2016 by Dutch ambassador and representatives from the Malaysia Investment Development Authority and the Royal Malaysia Custom Department.

The plant is designed to manufacture vinyl silicone fluid, silicone polyether, low viscosity polydimethyl siloxane fluids, cross-linkers and chain extenders, gum blends, silicone emulsions and silicone antifoams. Its silicone additives can be used in gypsum wallboard production and it has applications in the construction industry including mineral wool insulation materials.

BRB International has invested US$11m in the project. Construction began in May 2014 and was completed in the second quarter of 2016.