Propylene oxide or 1, 2-epoxy-propane (PO), is a very reactive substance and it is one of the most important chemical intermediates. It is a commodity chemical used in the manufacturing of products, ranging from antifreeze to cosmetics and to make highly versatile polyurethane raw materials which, in turn, are used in the manufacturing of thousands of everyday products. The worldwide demand for PO was approximately 14 billion pounds (6.3 million metric tons) in 2005. Approximately 88 percent of that volume was consumed in the manufacturing of three families of PO derivative products: polyols, propylene glycols (PG) and propylene glycol ethers (PGE).
1. Manufacture of Polyurethanes- Polyurethanes are used to produce rigid foams for thermal insulation in the construction industry and flexible foams for mattresses, furniture upholstery and seat cushioning in automotive applications
2. Production of intermediate products
- PO is a basic chemical used as a building block in the production of intermediate products, which are found in everything from antifreeze to cosmetics
3. Flame retardants
4. Modified carbohydrates (starches)
5. Synthetic lubricants
6. Oil field drilling chemicals
7. Textile surfactants
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