Fda Series

Applications of Epichlorohydrin

Epichlorohydrin is a chemical intermediate mainly used in the manufacture of epoxy resins. It is

also used in the production of epichlorohydrin elastomers, polyamide-epichlorohydrin resins, water

treatment chemicals, synthetic glycerol, polyols and a variety of glycidyl derivatives, etc.

Epoxy Resins

Epoxy resins are versatile polymers used in the manufacture of adhesives, coatings, and structural

parts needed by the automotive, marine, off-shore, aerospace and aircraft industries.

In the construction industry, epoxy resins are the preferred materials for non-slip, easy to clean

and chemicals barrier surfaces. They are the adhesives of choice due to their excellent adhesion

to steel and concrete.

Epoxy resins are used in many paints for automotive, refrigerators, electric household appliances,

etc.

Epoxy resins have excellent strength and electric insulation properties. They are used in the

electronic industry for printed circuits boards (in mixture with fiberglass) and to encapsulate

electronic components (to protect them from damage).

Storage tanks, pipes, appliances, and food and drink cans all benefit from durable coatings made

from epoxy resins.

Their adhesive properties are especially useful to combine different materials in sport equipment

such as skis, tennis rackets, windsurfer, boats, etc.

Epoxy resins have excellent adhesive properties and are applied in two-components glues, for

industry and domestic applications (especially in "do-it-yourself").

Elastomers

Elastomers made from epichlorohydrin offer excellent resistance to oxygen, weather, fuels and

oils. This makes them ideal for many automotive applications, especially with the increasingly

stringent emission control regulations and higher quality requirements.

Fire-resistant materials

Epichlorohydrin is used in the manufacture of phosphorous fireproofing material for plastic foams.

Chemical Synthesis

Epichlorohydrin is used in the manufacture of glycerol and glycidyl derivatives.

Page 2 of 2 Applications

Applications of Epichlorohydrin

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APP-2200-0001-W-EN

Issue 1 - 07.06.2002

Applications of Epichlorohydrin

Pharmaceutical industry

Epichlorohydrin is used in chemical synthesis of complex molecules for the pharmaceutical

industry.

Epichlorohydrin is the base of the synthesis of glycerol monochlorohydrin (1-chloro-2,3-

propanediol), used in the manufacture of pharmaceutical products (X-ray contrasting, cough

mixtures).

Paper industry

The paper industry uses polyamine-epichlorohydrin resins to improve paper wet-strength. This

grade of paper is found in coffee filters and tea bags.

Polyaminoamides and cationic starches are manufactured with epichlorohydrin and used in paper

sizing, dye fixing, anti-shrinking material, etc.

Plastic foams

Epichlorohydrin is used for the synthesis of polyols, reactants for the manufacture of rigid

polyurethane foams. These grades of foams are non-flammable and have excellent heat

insulation properties for construction industry, refrigerators, etc.

Softeners and detergents

Epichlorohydrin is used in the synthesis of surface active agents for washing products and

toiletries.

Water treatment chemicals

Epichlorohydrin is used in the manufacture of :

• polyamines and polyquaternary ammonium salts, as flocculents in water and wastewater

...