Styrene also known as STY, styrene monomer, vinyl benzene, phenyl ethylene, styrol, styrole, styrolene, with the molecular formula C8H8 , CAS: 100-42-5. It is a clear, colorless to yellow, oily flammable liquid with a sweet smell. Styrene is highly flammable with a flash point of 31°C and a specific gravity of 0.91. Styrene provides strength and flexibility whilst also being lightweight. However, it tends to yellow in acrylic polymer.
Production
The conventional process to produce styrene monomer is the alkylation of benzene with ethylene followed by a dehydrogenation (EBSM method). This “on-purpose” method represents approximately 70 % of the styrene monomer produced globally. Furthermore styrene is a co-product when producing propylene oxide (POSM method).
Uses
The most important styrene derivative is polystyrene (PS), which is used in the production of cd boxes, food containers and drinking cups e.g. Another product made from styrene is the so called Expandable Polystyrene (EPS). It is used in fish boxes, home insulation, and motorcycle and bicycle helmets for example. Further styrene monomer derivatives can be found in multiple products of our everyday use like car tires, toys and automotive components.
Styrene is also utilized to produce ABS, SAN, and SBR.
Acrylonitrile-butadiene styrene (ABS) is a thermoplastic resin that is used in the automobile and electronics industry.
Styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) resins are a co-polymer plastic that is used in a range of consumer goods, packaging, and automotive application.
Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) elastomers and latexes is used in car tyres, and belts and hoses for machinery, as well as in household items such as toys, sponges and floor tiles.
Packaging
Bulk in ISO tank containers
Synonyms
styrene monomer, vinyl benzene, phenylethylene, styrol, styrole, styrolene
Chemical Formula
C8H8O
CAS Number
100-42-5
