Phenol
Phenol is produced from cumene in what is known as the four-stage Hock production process. It is is an essential starting material for a wide range of applications in the electrical/electronics, automotive, construction and household/furniture industries. Phenol can be combined with formaldehyde to produce phenolic resins, which represent the second largest commercial use of phenol. Phenolic resins are used in a wide range of applications, including plywood and oriented strand board, furniture, insulation materials, laminates, foundry molds and adhesives. Another application for phenol is as the raw material for caprolactam and adipic acid for the production of nylon intermediates. Major uses include engineering thermoplastics and synthetic fibers for clothing and carpeting.
Phenols Uses
Phenol is an essential starting material for a wide range of applications in the electrical/electronics, automotive, construction and household/furniture industries.
Phenol can be combined with formaldehyde to produce phenolic resins, which represent the second largest commercial use of phenol. Phenolic resins are used in a wide range of applications, including plywood and oriented strand board, furniture, insulation materials, laminates, foundry molds and adhesives.
Another application for phenol is as the raw material for caprolactam and adipic acid for the production of nylon intermediates. Major uses include engineering thermoplastics and synthetic fibers for clothing and carpeting.
Acetone
Phenol and acetone are produced together in a fixed ratio. The largest commercial use of acetone is for solvents, either through the use of acetone itself as a solvent or through the acetone-based production of solvents.
The second largest commercial use of acetone is the manufacture of methylmethacrylate. Methylmethacrylate is used to manufacture polymethylmethacrylate resins, including acrylic sheets and compounds for molding and extrusion. Acrylic sheets and compounds are used in a wide range of architectural and industrial applications, ranging from point of sale retail displays to glazing and decorative light panels. The third major use of acetone is in the production of bisphenol A.
AMS
AMS is a combustible liquid with a similar chemical nature to cumene or gasoline. AMS is used as a modifier in the manufacture of heat resistant ABS resins with applications in the automotive and electrical industries for water heaters and household equipment.