The joint venture between Evonik and the Chinese company Wynca - Evonik Wynca (Zhenjiang) Silicon Material Co., Ltd. is starting-up of its new fumed silica plant. Located in the Zhenjiang New Material Industry Park in Jiangsu province, the plant is Evonik's first fumed silica production site in China. It will produce fumed silica marketed under the brand name AEROSIL.

Fumed silica is an important functional material. With features such as thickening, thixotropy, anti-precipitation, and matting, it has been widely applied in industrial applications such as silicones, coatings, adhesives, and sealants. The demands for fumed silica in the Chinese market is growing steadily. Evonik is a leading global supplier of silica with its products widely used in many high-growth markets.

The joint venture will combine Evonik's product technology with Wynca’s silicone industry chain, producing high-value fumed silica products through the comprehensive use of monomer by-products, methyltrichlorosilane and chlorosilane from Wynca. Meanwhile, the by-product hydrochloric acid will also be fully utilized as a raw material for Wynca Zhenjiang Site. This production loop is expected to contribute to synergies among silicone monomer, chlorosilane and fumed silica production, and ultimately to a circular economy.

“The joint venture will be a strong complement to Evonik’s global presence in fumed silica,” said Dr. Claudine Mollenkopf, head of Evonik Silica business line. “We expect win-win results through leveraging the expertise of both parties in silicon materials.”