The Role of O-Phthalic Anhydride in Polymer Production and the Plastics Industry

Plasticizers are substances added to polymer materials to increase the plasticity of polymers. Their role is mainly to weaken the subvalent bonds between resin molecules, increase the mobility of resin molecules, reduce the crystallinity of resin molecules, increase the plasticity of resin molecules, making them more flexible and easy to process. O-phthalic anhydride is a plasticizer. This article will introduce its role in polymer production and the plastics industry.

O-phthalic Anhydride Properties

O-phthalic anhydride can undergo hydrolysis, alcoholysis, and ammonolysis, and can be synthesized into anthraquinone derivatives by reacting with aromatic hydrocarbons. O-phthalic anhydride is industrially produced by the gas-phase oxidation of naphthalene with air under the catalysis of vanadium pentoxide at 350-360°C, and can also be obtained by the oxidation of o-xylene with air. O-phthalic anhydride can be used as a substitute for phthalic anhydride in the production of polymers and plastics. Anhydride can be used instead of phthalic acid, mainly reacting with monohydric alcohols to form esters, such as dibutyl phthalate and dioctyl phthalate.

Applications in Polymer Synthesis

In polymer production, O-phthalic anhydride is often used as an important raw material for the synthesis of polyester, polyamide, and other polymer materials. Through specific polymerization reactions, it can combine with other monomers to form polymer chains with excellent properties. These polymers not only have excellent mechanical properties, but also have good heat resistance, chemical resistance, and other characteristics, widely used in automotive, electronics, construction, and other fields.

Role in Plastic Modification

O-phthalic anhydride can also be used as an important additive for plastic modification. By adding O-phthalic anhydride to plastics, it can effectively improve the heat resistance, impact resistance, weather resistance, and other properties of plastics. In addition, O-phthalic anhydride can also improve the processing performance of plastics, making plastics easier to flow in the molding process, reducing molding defects, and improving product quality.

Application in the Development of Environmentally Friendly Materials

With the increasing awareness of environmental protection, O-phthalic anhydride has shown a broad application prospect in the development of environmentally friendly materials. Through the optimization of its synthesis process and formula, bio-based plastics and degradable plastics with excellent performance and good environmental performance can be prepared. These materials not only have good performance in the process of use, but also can be quickly degraded after disposal to reduce the impact on the environment.

With the continuous development of science and technology, the application of O-phthalic anhydride in the polymer industry will be more extensive and in-depth. In the future, we can further improve the performance and application effect of O-phthalic anhydride by researching new synthesis methods and modification techniques.