Versalis (Eni S.p.A.; Rome, Italy; www.eni.com), a producer in the polymers and elastomers industry, and KBR, Inc. (Houston; www.kbr.com), a global technology, engineering, procurement and construction company, have entered into a cooperation agreement for KBR to license Versalis’ proprietary ethylbenzene and styrene monomer technologies (EB/SM). These technologies are used in a wide variety of applications including industrial and food packaging, household appliances, building insulation, electronic equipment, car components and toys.
Through this agreement, KBR and Versalis will offer ethylbenzene and styrene monomer production technologies using Versalis’ innovative zeolite-based catalysts and expert design capabilities. KBR will provide engineering support to deliver the license packages to clients.
Ethylbenzene is an organic compound used to produce styrene, the main raw material to produce styrenic polymers, and for production of high performance elastomers. Styrenics are exceptionally versatile plastic materials that are light, durable, highly insulating and provide good mechanical properties.