GPPS / HIPS / EPS / XPS
- Process role: Primary styrene monomer feedstock
- Critical parameters: Purity; inhibitor; polymer; color; water
OGSCM / TECHNICAL PROCUREMENT INTELLIGENCE
Styrene Monomer (SM)
Inhibited Aromatic Monomer for Polystyrene, ABS, SBR and Unsaturated-Resin Value Chains
Styrene monomer is a flammable, reactive aromatic liquid whose procurement is inseparable from polymerization control. Industrial styrene is normally supplied with an inhibitor/stabilization system, and safe storage depends on temperature, product age, oxygen/inhibitor conditions and contamination control. Buyers should specify purity, inhibitor type/content, polymer content, aldehydes/peroxides where required, color, water and delivery age.
High Adsorption Performance
Consistent Quality
Reliable Supply
Flexible Supply Options
Trusted by industries across GCC & MENA
Pharmaceuticals
Laboratory & HPLC
Chemical Synthesis
Agrochemicals
Extraction & Purification
CHEMISTRY, MANUFACTURING CONTEXT & MATERIAL BEHAVIOUR
Styrene is produced industrially mainly by catalytic dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene. It polymerizes to polystyrene and copolymerizes with butadiene, acrylonitrile and other monomers. Because polymerization is exothermic and can accelerate with temperature, commercial styrene is handled as a stabilized reactive monomer rather than a generic flammable solvent.
PROCESS-ENGINEERING & GRADE-SELECTION CONSIDERATIONS
- The source draft correctly identifies spontaneous/exothermic polymerization risk but leaves inhibitor details unspecified. The RFQ should explicitly request inhibitor type and concentration from the supplier specification.
- Styrene is only slightly soluble in water, not broadly 'water-soluble'; correct this before website publication.
- Storage temperature, residence time, inhibitor condition, oxygen availability and contamination control must follow the supplier's safe-storage guidance. Do not publish one generic inhibitor concentration as universal.
- Monitor product age and quality during extended storage. Polymer formation, color change or inhibitor depletion can indicate deterioration.
- Avoid contamination with polymerization initiators, strong oxidizers and incompatible chemicals; use compatible tanks and controlled unloading.
◎ Technical Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
Formula | C₈H₈ |
CAS | 100-42-5 |
Molar mass | 104.15 g/mol |
Appearance | Clear, colorless to pale liquid; aromatic odor |
Density | ~0.91 g/cm³ near ambient temperature |
Melting point | ~−30.6°C |
Boiling point | ~145°C |
Water behaviour | Slightly soluble in water - the source draft's 'soluble in water' wording is too broad |
Source-draft packaging | Bulk or 220 L drums |
Critical operating issue | Exothermic polymerization; inhibitor and storage management are essential |
INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION MATRIX
ABS
- Process role: Copolymer feedstock
- Critical parameters: Purity; inhibitor; aldehydes/impurities as required
SBR / styrenic elastomers
- Process role: Copolymer feedstock
- Critical parameters: Monomer purity; inhibitor; process-specific impurities
Unsaturated polyester / composites
- Process role: Reactive diluent / comonomer in resin systems
- Critical parameters: Purity; inhibitor; color; water; resin compatibility
QUALITY CONTROL, COA PARAMETERS & TEST FOCUS
- Styrene purity | Method/evidence: GC | Why it matters: Primary monomer content
- Polymer content | Method/evidence: Validated producer method | Why it matters: Storage condition / downstream fouling risk
- Inhibitor (e.g., supplier-specified stabilizer) | Method/evidence: HPLC/validated method | Why it matters: Polymerization-control status
- Color | Method/evidence: APHA/Hazen | Why it matters: Oxidation/contamination screen
- Water | Method/evidence: Karl Fischer | Why it matters: Polymerization/formulation quality
- Aldehydes / peroxides / impurities | Method/evidence: Application-specific methods | Why it matters: Process and storage-quality control
STORAGE, HANDLING, COMPATIBILITY & HSE
Styrene is a flammable volatile monomer with harmful vapor exposure potential. Storage and transfer require ignition control, bonding/grounding, ventilation, compatible equipment and strict polymerization-risk management. Temperature excursions or evidence of uncontrolled polymerization require the site's emergency procedure and supplier technical guidance.
PACKAGING, TRANSPORT & GCC / MENA SUPPLY PLANNING
The source draft identifies bulk and 220 L drums. Packaging must preserve inhibitor/stabilization conditions and prevent incompatible contamination. For GCC/MENA, heat exposure is a major logistics variable: define maximum transit/storage conditions, product age at delivery, inhibitor documentation, tank/drum condition and unloading readiness.
Why Choose OGSCM?
Application-Driven Solutions
We match the right grade to your process needs.
Reliable Supply Chain
On-time delivery with strong regional & global logistics.
Quality You Can Trust
Strict quality control and batch consistency.
Expert Support
Technical & commercial support throughout your procurement journey.
Regional Presence
Serving industries across GCC and MENA with local expertise.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Because styrene can polymerize exothermically; the supplied stabilization system is part of safe storage and quality control.
Only slightly. The previous source wording was too broad.
No. Product age, temperature, inhibitor condition and contamination all matter; follow supplier safe-storage guidance.
Industrial styrene is produced mainly by dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene.
