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Chemicals - Applications |
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| Polymerization |
| Market Overview |
The polymerization market encompasses a wide array of
polymer types and applications. This section will highlight those
areas of polymerization and polymer production that utilize Varsal
products.
Intermediates made through esterification are used in the following
sectors: fine chemicals (synthesis of pharmaceutical and agrochemical
molecules), cosmetics, lubricants, additives for paints and solvents
(acrylates, acetates, etc).
Synthesis can be facilitated via condensation (e.g. alkylation and
rearrangement). Varsal’s key product offerings in this area include
reaction catalysts such as methane sulfonic acid, building blocks
such as dioic acids and diamines, and cross-linkers such as divinyl
benzene.
Other products offered include elastomer retarding aids, reducing
agents, and intermediates for standard and biodegradable polymers. |
| Products/Applications |
| Methane sulfonic acid (MSA) |
MSA is used extensively in a variety of polymer applications. These
include:
- Acid catalyst for Alkylphenols, esters (acetates, acrylates,
phthalates, fatty acid based, thioglycolates) and polyester synthesis
- Acid catalyst to produce carbamates (for isocyanates) w/o phosgene
- Alkylation and polymerization of olefins
- Acid-catalyzed polymerizations (e.g., acrylonitrile)
- Polymercaptal synthesis
- Condensation of aromatic polyamines with formaldehyde
- Synthesis of polyamides, polyglycolic acids, amino acid polymers,
monoalkylphosphines and pyrrolidine derivatives
Benefits of using MSA are:
- Low molecular weight: At equimolarity, the volume of MSA needed
for a given operation is smaller than that of any organosulfonic
acid.
- Reaction rate: Reaction rates can be faster with MSA.
- Very little residual sulfuric acid (less than 0.1 %): MSA reduces
the phenomena of oxidation. MSA leads to less color formation
on the synthesized final product.
- Low corrosive power: MSA is 10 to 20 times less corrosive than
sulfuric acid.
- High degree of purity/clarity: Homogenous in the reaction medium,
MSA is clear, colorless, contains no impurities and it is easy
to use.
- High thermal stability: Commonly used at temperatures of between
80o and 180oC, MSA does not generate any
decomposition products that could lead to corrosion or the coloring
of the products.
- Great ease of use: MSA remains in its liquid form up to -60oC,
which facilitates its transport and use, unlike solid forms which
must be transported in bags.
- 100 % biodegradable and up to 80 % recyclable:
MSA is entirely biodegradable. Once neutralized, it becomes harmless
to the environment. It is recyclable up to 80 % and is easily
separated from organic products by washing with water. MSA reduces
the volumes of water needed and the organic phase retains less
of the washing water due to less phase separation time.
For more details on the advantages of MSA versus pTSA and sulfuric
acid, see the information in Advantages
of Using MSA in Esterification. |
| Divinyl benzene (DVB) |
DVB is an extremely versatile cross-linking agent that also improves
polymer properties. It is used in the synthesis and manufacture of
many resins (including ion exchange), plastics, composites and latexes
used in coatings. Effective in small amounts, DVB can increase physical
strength properties (hardness, tensile strength, and impact resistance)
without hindering other properties. Varsal offers DVB in three concentrations
for different requirements: 55%, 63% and 80%.
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| Dioic acids and diamines |
A range of long chain diacids and diamines (C11 to C18)
which are produced via a unique biofermentation process are available
from Varsal. Advantages offered by these products include high purity
and narrow molecular weight distribution.
Applications include:
- Powder coating curative
- Polyamide nylon resins
- Building blocks for polyester resins
- Cross linkers for acrylic resins
Other products:
Methane sulfonyl chloride- used as a polymer intermediate or sulfonation
agent
Sodium acetate - a
retarding agent in elastomers.
Hypophosphorous acid- used as a reducing agent, antioxidant, and
color stabilizer in some polymers.
Aspartic acid - used as an intermediate to make biodegradable polymers.
Azaleic and Sebacic acids - used as building block intermediates
Table - Polymerization Key Products
| Product | Purity % | CAS # | Appearance | Hazard Class |
| Methane Sulfonic Acid | 70 | 75-75-2 | Transparent oily liquid | 8 |
| Methane Sulfonic Acid | 85 | 75-75-2 | Transparent oily liquid | 8 |
| Methane Sulfonic Acid | 99 | 75-75-2 | Transparent oily liquid | 8 |
| Divinyl benzene | 55 | 1321-74-0 | light yellow clear liquid | 3 |
| Divinyl benzene | 63 | 1321-74-0 | light yellow clear liquid | 3 |
| Divinyl benzene | 80 | 1321-74-0 | light yellow clear liquid | 3 |
| Methane Sulfonyl Chloride | 99.5 | 124-63-0 |
Transparent oily liquid |
6.1 |
| Sodium Acetate | 63 | 127-09-3 | White powder | Non-hazardous |
| Aspartic Acid | 98.5 | 56-84-8 | White, free-flowing crystalline powder | Non-hazardous |
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