Epichlorohydrin (ECH) is a highly reactive chemical primarily used as a building block to produce epoxy resins, synthetic glycerol, specialty polymers, and water-treatment chemicals.
• Epoxy Resins: Over 75% of global ECH is consumed here. Combined with bisphenol A (BPA), ECH forms epoxy resins used for heavy-duty protective coatings, structural adhesives, flooring, and composites (including wind turbine blades and aerospace materials).
• Synthetic Glycerin: ECH is a key intermediate in the chemical synthesis of glycerin, which is utilized in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food products.
• Water & Paper Treatment: It is used to manufacture polyamide-epichlorohydrin (PAE) resins, acting as wet-strength agents for paper products and flocculants for municipal water purification.
• Specialty Chemicals: ECH is used in the production of synthetic elastomers, surfactants, ion-exchange resins, and as a solvent for cellulose, resins, and gums.
Tags
