Formaldehyde is used primarily to make urea-, phenol- and melamine-formaldehyde resins. Other large applications include polyacetal resins, pentaerythritol, methyl di-p-phenylene isocyanate (MDI), and 1,4-butanediol (BDO).
Consumption of formaldehyde depends mainly on the construction, automotive and furniture markets. In the developed world, growth in demand will typically track gross domestic product (GDP) although it will be strongly correlated to the construction industry.
Prices of formaldehyde are closely tied to and generally track its methanol feedstock. For this reason, ICIS does not publish price reports on formaldehyde.
There are two main processes for making formaldehyde: oxidation-dehydrogenation using a silver catalyst involving either the complete or incomplete conversion of methanol; and the direct oxidation of methanol to formaldehyde using metal oxide catalysts (Formox process).
Formaldehyde is a clear, water-white, very slightly acid, gas or liquid with a strong pungent irritating odour. It is a poison and can be fatal or cause blindness if swallowed. Formaldehyde is a flammable liquid and vapour, and the gas mixes well with air to form explosive mixtures.
Formaldehyde
Uses and Outlook
Consumption of formaldehyde depends mainly on the construction, automotive and furniture markets. In the developed world, growth in demand will typically track gross domestic product (GDP) although it will be strongly correlated to the construction industry.
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Formaldehyde
Process Technologies
The commercial production of formaldehyde was first started in Germany in the 1880s but the development of a methanol synthesis route in the 1920s gave the spur to the development of large-scale manufacture. Today there are two main routes: oxidation-dehydrogenation using a silver catalyst involving either the complete or incomplete conversion of methanol; and the direct oxidation of methanol to formaldehyde using metal oxide catalysts (Formox process).
More about Formaldehyde Process Technologies
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