Introduction of Styrene

Subject: Introduction of Styrene Wed Aug 10, 2011 12:40 pm

Styrene, also called vinyl benzene, is colorless, oily, highly flammable liquid that evaporates easily and has a aroma odour. is an organic compound with the chemical formula C6H5CH=CH2. This derivative of benzene is a colorless oily liquid that evaporates easily and has a sweet smell, although high concentrations confer a less pleasant odor.Styreneis the precursor to polystyrene and several copolymers. Approximately 15 billion pounds are produced annually. On 10 June 2011, the US National Toxicology Program has described styrene as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen". It is an organic compound formed by vinyl instead of one hydrogen atom of benzene. Styrene is insoluble in water, soluble in alcohol and ether. When exposure to air it can gradually polymerize. So people should increase polymerization inhibitor [hydroquinone or tert-butyl catechol (0.0002% ~ 0.002%) as stabilizing agent to keep in storage. In industry, styrene is an important monomer for synthetic resin, ion exchange resin and synthetic rubber.
Uses: The most important use is as monomer for synthetic rubber and plastic which are used for the production of styrene butadiene rubber, polystyrene and polystyrene foam. Styrene is also used in copolymerization with other monomers to manufacture different uses of engineering plastics. For example: SAN, the copolymer of styrene and acrylonitrile, is resin with bright color and resistant to shock. Moreover, styrene is widely used in various household appliances and industry. In addition, a small amount of styrene is used as intermediate of spices. Styrene is also used as original drug of expectorant eprazinone and anticholinergics glycopyrrolate.Styrene is named for "styrax" (also called "storax Levant"), the resin from a Turkish tree, the Oriental sweetgum (Liquidambar orientalis), from which it was first isolated,[citation needed] and not for the tropical Styrax trees from which benzoin resin is produced. Low levels of styrene occur naturally in many kinds of plants,[citation needed] as well as a variety of foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, beverages, and meats.[citation needed]The production of styrene in the United States increased dramatically during the 1940s, when it was popularized as a feedstock for synthetic rubber.The presence of the vinyl group allows styrene to polymerize. Commercially significant products include polystyrene (known widely as StyrofoamTM), ABS, styrene-butadiene (SBR) rubber, styrene-butadiene latex, SIS (styrene-isoprene-styrene), S-EB-S (styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene),styrene-divinylbenzene(S-DVB),styrene-acrylonitrile resin (SAN) and unsaturated polyesters. These materials are used in rubber, plastic, insulation, fiberglass, pipes, automobile and boat parts, food containers, and carpet backing.

Safty: Styrene is toxic by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed. It is also irritating to eyes AND respiratory system. If you want to contact this product, you must Wear suitable protective clothing and gloves. In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately (show the label whenever possible.) People should not breathe vapour of styrene. In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice.