Styrene Monomer is an organic chemical compound known as a colorless liquid with a sweet, aromatic odor. It is volatile at room temperature and soluble in water and most solvents. Styrene is a volatile and flammable substance and may easily vaporize and ignite when exposed to heat or sparks. Styrene monomer is mainly used in the production of synthetic plastics and rubbers such as polystyrene, styrene-butadiene elastomers, and epoxy resins. It is also used in the production of fiberglass and various composites. The vast majority of styrene is produced from ethylbenzene, and almost all ethylbenzene produced worldwide is intended for styrene production. Other industrial routes for Styrene production are: Pyrolysis gasoline extraction, toluene and methanol , and also from benzene and ethane.
Technical Characteristics
| Chemical Formula | C8H8 |
| Other names | Vinylbenzene Phenylethene Phenylethylene Cinnamene Styrol Diarex HF 77 Styrolene Styropol |
| CAS Number | 100-42-5 |
| Molar mass | 104.15 g/mol |
| Density | 0.909 g/cm3 |
| Melting Point | −30 °C |
| Boiling Point: | 145 °C |
| Appearance | colorless oily liquid |
Applications
- Raw chemical for the production of various grades of polystyrene (HIPS, GPPS, XPS and EPS)
- Raw chemical for the production of copolymers like Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS)
- Raw chemical for the production of styrene rubbers such as styrene-butadiene rubber
Environmental impact of Styrene Monomer
Styrene monomer can cause air and water pollution. Its vapors are toxic and harmful to human health and aquatic life. Its production and use may also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
Safety Measures and Regulations for Handling Styrene Monomer
When working with styrene, personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety glasses, and protective clothing should be worn. It is flammable and should be stored in well-ventilated areas. In case of contact with skin or eyes, rinse immediately with water. Pure styrene will polymerise spontaneously to polystyrene, without the need of external initiators. At 100 °C it will autopolymerise at a rate of ~2% per hour, and more rapidly than this at higher temperatures. As the autopolymerisation reaction is exothermic it can be self-accelerating, potentially leading to an explosion.
Packing
This Chemical is supplied to the market in bulk or in 220-liter drums.