[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, isophorone diisocyanate

Properties of isophorone diisocyanate

Isophorone diisocyanate (Isophorone Diisocyanate, IPDI) is an organic compound with unique chemical properties. Its chemical structure contains two isocyanate groups, which makes it show high reactivity in many chemical reactions. IPDI is a clear, colorless liquid with low viscosity and relatively high volatility. Its molecular formula is C12H18N2O2 and its molecular weight is 222.29g/mol. IPDI will gradually hydrolyze in the air to generate amines and carbon dioxide, so special attention should be paid to moisture during use and storage. It has a melting point of -60°C, a boiling point of 158-159°C (at 10 mmHg) and a flash point of 155°C.

Isophorone diisocyanate uses

IPDI is widely used in industry, mainly for the production of high-performance polyurethane materials. Due to its good chemical resistance and mechanical properties, IPDI is widely used in coatings, adhesives, elastomers and sealants. In the coating industry, IPDI is often used to prepare polyurethane coatings with excellent weather resistance and abrasion resistance, which are suitable for surface protection in the fields of automobiles, aerospace and construction. In the field of adhesives and sealants, IPDI is used to produce high-strength and high-durability products, which are widely used in the electronics, construction and medical industries. IPDI can also be used to prepare a variety of specialty polyurethane materials, such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and polyurethane elastomers, to meet the special needs of different fields.

Isophorone diisocyanate upstream and downstream raw materials

The production of IPDI mainly depends on two key raw materials: isophorone and chlorine. Isophorone is a cyclic compound made by the condensation reaction of acetone, while chlorine gas is used to convert isophorone to isophorone chloride (IPC). In the production process of IPDI, IPC reacts with amino acids to form isophorone carbamate (IPU), which is then decomposed at high temperature to form IPDI. The main upstream raw materials of isophorone are acetone and aniline, while chlorine gas is usually produced by electrolysis of salt water. In terms of downstream products, IPDI's main products include polyurethane coatings, polyurethane elastomers and polyurethane adhesives, which are widely used in automotive, construction, electronics and textile industries.

Isophorone diisocyanate storage method

Because IPDI has high chemical activity and certain toxicity, its storage requires special attention to safety and environmental protection. IPDI should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, away from heat, fire and strong oxidants. Storage containers shall be well sealed, usually made of high density polyethylene (HDPE) or stainless steel, to prevent hydrolysis of IPDI in contact with moisture in the air. In order to prevent volatilization and leakage of IPDI, the storage area should be equipped with appropriate ventilation equipment and emergency treatment facilities. Operators should wear appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, goggles and gas masks when handling IPDI to reduce the risk of exposure.

Isophorone diisocyanate safety and environmental protection

The safety and environmental protection of IPDI in industrial applications cannot be ignored. Its vapors and mist are irritating to the respiratory system, and prolonged exposure may cause allergic reactions and respiratory diseases. Therefore, strict safety protection measures must be taken in the process of production and use to ensure the health and safety of operators. IPDI leakage and waste disposal is also a major environmental problem. Discarded IPDI and its packaging materials shall be disposed of in accordance with hazardous waste disposal specifications and shall not be discarded at will to prevent environmental pollution. Enterprises should establish a sound waste treatment system and comply with relevant environmental regulations to ensure the safe disposal of waste.

Isoborone diisocyanate market prospects

With the continuous advancement of industrialization and the increasing demand for high-performance materials in various industries, the market demand for IPDI has shown a steady growth trend. Especially in the automotive, construction and electronics industries, the application of polyurethane materials is increasingly widespread, which provides a broad market space for IPDI. With the increase in environmental awareness and increasingly stringent regulations, the market demand for low-VOC (volatile organic compound) and high-performance environmentally friendly coatings is also increasing, which further promotes the market demand for IPDI. In the future, with the continuous progress of technology and the improvement of production process, the production cost of IPDI is expected to be further reduced, and its market competitiveness will be further enhanced.

Summary

Isophorone diisocyanate is an important organic compound with unique chemical properties and a wide range of industrial applications. Its production relies on feedstocks such as isophorone and chlorine, while its downstream products have important applications in several industries. The storage and use of IPDI requires special attention to safety and environmental protection to prevent health hazards and environmental pollution. With the continuous growth of market demand and technological progress, the market prospect of IPDI is very broad. Enterprises should seize this opportunity to continuously improve product quality and competitiveness through technological innovation and process improvement to meet the diverse needs of the market.