Applications of Styrene Monomer

Styrene monomer is a large volume commodity chemical used in the production of plastics and rubbers for numerous applications. It is also used in the manufacture of polymers for a wide range of consumer and industrial applications. The current global styrene demand is about 25 million metric tons per year.

Did you know that styrene production is also a major contributor to methane emissions?

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The main application of styrene monomer is used in the production of polymers. Below are the different types of manufactured polymers and their applications.

1. Polystyrene (High impact polystyrene)

The most common solvent used for this reaction is 1, 2-dichloroethane (EDC). The preferred initiator is a mixture of boron trifluoride and water. It is prepared by incorporating 1.5% by weight boron trifluoride gas into the organic solvent (EDC) containing 280 ppm water. This solution is continuously prepared in a holding vessel and will then be injected into the reactor system to get the polystyrene product.

• Used in packaging, appliances and consumer goods. Examples are CD cases, drinking cups, food containers and refrigerator door liners

2. Expandable polystyrene

• Used in building, construction and packaging. Examples are lightweight foam, used in home insulation, packaging material, padding inside motorcycle crash helmets or car interiors, bridge construction or building film-set scenery

3. Unsaturated polyester resin

• Used in building, construction and transportation

4. Styrene butadiene emulsion polymers

• Used in adhesives and binders in carpet & paper production

5. Styrene acrylate emulsion polymers

• Used in adhesives, paints and coatings