SIBUR scientists showcased a cutting-edge super-structural plastic polyphthalamide (PPA), developed using their proprietary technology at the international industrial exhibition Innoprom in Yekaterinburg. This innovative material was featured as part of an exhibition highlighting breakthrough materials created in the company’s research centers.

Polyphthalamide is a high-performance super-structural plastic renowned for its exceptional strength, stability, and resistance to harsh environments. Films produced from this material exhibit outstanding barrier properties, including excellent resistance to moisture, fats, and temperature fluctuations. These qualities make it highly suitable for manufacturing packaging films used in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Polyphthalamide exhibits excellent thermal stability and chemical resistance to oils, fuels, antifreezes, and salt solutions. It maintains its performance even when exposed to coolants and fuels, making it ideal for use in complex thermo-mechanical systems. These properties enable PPA to be used in the production of automotive engine compartment components—such as thermostat housings, fuel lines, and cooling system elements—as well as electrical parts like coils, connectors, and insulating components. Additionally, it finds applications in pumps, compressors, industrial fittings, and other systems where high strength and chemical resistance are essential.

The SIBUR exhibit also showcases a range of other super-structural plastics at various stages of development, including polyether ketone ketone (PEKK), polyaryl sulfones (PSU, PPSU, PESU), and polyphenylene sulfide (PPS).

Super-engineering plastics like polyaryl sulfones and polyether ketones, known for maintaining their properties under high temperatures and in aggressive environments, occupy the top tier of the polymer pyramid. At the base of this hierarchy are basic polymers such as polyethylene and polypropylene—widely used and most common. The middle tier is comprised of engineering plastics like polyamide and polycarbonate, which offer a balance of performance and versatility for a broad range of applications.

Products made from super-structural plastics are 40–50% lighter than aluminum and titanium, while offering exceptional durability, high-temperature resistance, and mechanical strength.

Currently, there are no large-scale production facilities for super-structural plastics in Russia. However, SIBUR's scientific advancements are paving the way for scaling up domestic technologies. At present, these technologies are in the development stage, with pilot batches of polyether ketone ketone (PEKK) being produced and tested at pilot-scale facilities.

The development of innovative synthetic materials, along with the creation of proprietary catalysts and specialized components to fine-tune polymer properties, is a key part of SIBUR’s scientific and technical development strategy. These two strategic focus areas support the company’s active role in advancing the national project “New Materials and Chemistry” and lay the foundation for achieving technological leadership across critical sectors—from food and consumer goods production to construction, healthcare, and the automotive industry.