styreenimonomeerien

Styrene monomer, also known as styrene, ethenylbenzene, and C8H8, is a volatile, colorless to pale-yellow liquid used as a fundamental feedstock in the polymer industry. It contains a vinyl group attached to a benzene ring, which makes it highly reactive in free-radical polymerization. It has a characteristic sweet odor, is highly flammable, and is only sparingly soluble in water but miscible with many organic solvents. The molar mass is 104.15 g/mol.

Production and handling of styrene typically involve the industrial dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene, itself produced from benzene and ethene. In industrial settings, styrene is stabilized against premature polymerization during transportation and storage by adding inhibitors such as tert-butylcatechol or hydroquinone. It is stored and handled in tightly sealed, well-ventilated facilities to minimize vapor buildup and ignition risk.

Applications and polymerization: The principal use of styrene monomer is the production of polystyrene, a hard, clear plastic widely employed in packaging, insulation, and consumer goods. It is also a key comonomer in various copolymers, including styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN), acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate (ASA), and styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) for tires and other products. Through emulsion or bulk polymerization, styrene units link to form long polymer chains with a range of mechanical properties.

Safety and environment: Styrene is flammable and can pose health risks upon inhalation or skin contact. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies styrene as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B). It is subject to regulatory controls to limit emissions and occupational exposure, and spills are managed to prevent environmental release.