[Chemical Knowledge]：The nature, use, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, polyether is what chemical raw materials

Polyether properties

Polyethers (Polyether) are a class of polymers containing ether linkages (-C-O-C-), which are mainly prepared by ring-opening polymerization of ethylene oxide (EO), propylene oxide (PO) or other epoxy compounds. Polyethers generally have good chemical stability, hydrolysis resistance and good electrical insulating properties. The ether bond contained in the molecular chain provides high flexibility and a low glass transition temperature (Tg), so that it can maintain elasticity at low temperatures. The molecular weight of the polyether can be adjusted by controlling the degree of polymerization, thereby changing its physical properties such as viscosity, melting point and mechanical strength.

Polyether use

Polyether is widely used in many industries, including the following aspects:

1. Polyurethane foam: Polyether polyol is the production of polyurethane foam important raw materials, widely used in furniture, mattresses, car seats and insulation materials.
2. Lubricating oil additives: Due to its excellent lubricity and oxidation resistance, polyether can be used as lubricating oil additives to improve lubricating oil performance.
3. Surfactant: Polyether as a non-ionic surfactant, used in detergents, emulsifiers, dispersants and wetting agents.
4. Adhesives and sealants: In adhesives and sealants, polyethers provide excellent adhesion and flexibility for the construction, automotive and electronics industries.

Polyether upstream and downstream raw materials

The production of polyether involves a variety of raw materials and intermediates, the upstream and downstream relationship is as follows:

1. Upstream feedstock:

• Epoxy: Ethylene oxide (EO) and propylene oxide (PO) are the main upstream raw materials, which determine the basic polyether skeleton.
• Initiators: Commonly used initiators include propylene glycol, glycerol and ethylene glycol, which react with epoxy compounds to start the polymerization process.
• Catalyst: commonly used catalysts are acidic catalysts (such as sulfuric acid) and alkaline catalysts (such as potassium hydroxide), used to control the polymerization reaction rate and product structure.

1. Downstream Products:

• Polyether polyols: further reaction to produce polyurethane, used in foam, elastomers and coatings and other fields.
• Polyether surfactant: used in cleaning agents, detergents, cosmetics and pesticide emulsifiers.

Polyether production process

The production process of polyether is mainly divided into continuous method and batch method. The continuous method is suitable for large-scale production and has the advantages of high efficiency and stable product quality. The intermittent rule is flexible and suitable for multi-species and small batch production. The production process of polyether mainly includes the following steps:

1. Initiation: In the initiator and catalyst, epoxy compounds ring-opening polymerization reaction, the formation of low molecular weight polyether.
2. Polymerization: through further polymerization, increase the molecular weight, to obtain the desired specifications of polyether.
3. Post treatment: including removal of unreacted monomer, neutralization catalyst, dehydration and purification steps to obtain pure polyether products.

Polyether storage method

The storage of polyether needs to consider its chemical stability and physical properties, usually following the following points:

1. Moisture: polyether has moisture absorption, storage should be prevented from moisture contact to avoid physical changes or performance degradation.
2. Sealed: Use a sealed container to store polyether to prevent contact with air oxygen or other pollutants and extend its storage life.
3. Temperature: storage temperature should be maintained in the appropriate range, to avoid high temperature caused by degradation or low temperature caused by curing.
4. Fire prevention measures: some polyether is flammable, and the storage place should be equipped with appropriate fire prevention facilities and avoid fire contact.

POLYETHER MARKET PROSPECT

With the increasing demand for high-performance materials in various industries, the market demand for polyethers is also gradually increasing. Especially in the fields of automobiles, construction and electronics, the demand for polyurethane foams and surfactants has driven the development of polyether market. With the improvement of green chemistry and environmental protection requirements, the development of low-toxic, biodegradable polyether materials has become one of the future development directions.

Polyether Industry Challenges and Opportunities

The challenges faced by the polyether industry mainly include raw material price fluctuations, environmental protection pressures and technological innovation requirements. The fluctuation of raw material price will directly affect the production cost and market price of polyether. Environmental pressure requires companies to continuously improve production processes and reduce emissions and energy consumption. Technological innovation is not only the key to improve product performance and open up new markets, but also an important means for enterprises to gain a foothold in the fierce market competition.

With this polyether industry is also facing many opportunities. With the development of new energy vehicles, the demand for lightweight and high-performance materials is increasing, which provides a new application field for polyether materials. The development trend of green chemistry has also prompted enterprises to develop renewable raw materials and degradable polyether materials to meet environmental regulations and consumer needs.

Conclusion

Polyether, as an important polymer material, has excellent chemical and physical properties and is widely used in various industries. Its production relies on upstream raw materials such as epoxy compounds and initiators, and the final products are mainly used in the manufacture of polyurethane foams, lubricating oil additives and surfactants. Reasonable storage method can prolong the service life of polyether and ensure the stability of its performance. With the growth of market demand and technological progress, the polyether industry is facing challenges and opportunities, and the future development potential is huge.