About the product
α-Methylstyrene (AMS) is a chemical intermediate used in the manufacture of plasticizers, resins and polymers. It is a co-product formed in a variation of the cumene process. The homopolymer obtained from this monomer, poly(α-methylstyrene), is unstable, being characterized by a low ceiling temperature
Uses
Alpha-methylstyrene (AMS) is a colourless liquid used as a co-monomer in a range of polymerisation processes to improve impact and heat resistance. In many applications of this kind it competes with styrene, over which it has some stability and handling advantages. It can be copolymerised with monomers such as benzene, acrylates and styrene. The primary use of AMS is in acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resins, which account for around a third of demand. In ABS resins it prevents heat distortion. AMS has applications in a diverse range of products including perfumes, antioxidants, drying oils and lubricating oils. Other uses include the production of low molecular weight polymers, which form viscous liquids used in adhesives and coatings, waxes and plasticisers.
Technology
AMS is recovered as a by-product of the phenol production process of cumene oxidation. This can then be purified by continuous distillation under reduced pressure to lower the amount of phenol, cumene and butyl benzene impurities.
Because of the cost of this purification in limited markets, many phenol producers do not separate AMS but simply recycle it by hydrogenating it back to cumene. Companies such as UOP and Kellogg license the process. Another route used in the FSU involved dehydrogenation of cumene to AMS.
Health and safety
AMS irritates the skin, eyes and throat. If burned it can release toxic gases and vapours such as carbon monoxide.
It is incompatible with strong oxidising agents, copper, mercury or alkaline pesticides.
Uses
Alpha-methylstyrene (AMS) is a colourless liquid used as a co-monomer in a range of polymerisation processes to improve impact and heat resistance. In many applications of this kind it competes with styrene, over which it has some stability and handling advantages. It can be copolymerised with monomers such as benzene, acrylates and styrene. The primary use of AMS is in acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resins, which account for around a third of demand. In ABS resins it prevents heat distortion. AMS has applications in a diverse range of products including perfumes, antioxidants, drying oils and lubricating oils. Other uses include the production of low molecular weight polymers, which form viscous liquids used in adhesives and coatings, waxes and plasticisers.
Technology
AMS is recovered as a by-product of the phenol production process of cumene oxidation. This can then be purified by continuous distillation under reduced pressure to lower the amount of phenol, cumene and butyl benzene impurities.
Because of the cost of this purification in limited markets, many phenol producers do not separate AMS but simply recycle it by hydrogenating it back to cumene. Companies such as UOP and Kellogg license the process. Another route used in the FSU involved dehydrogenation of cumene to AMS.
Health and safety
AMS irritates the skin, eyes and throat. If burned it can release toxic gases and vapours such as carbon monoxide.
It is incompatible with strong oxidising agents, copper, mercury or alkaline pesticides.
Price
USD 1321.42 per metric tons
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