Products and Uses

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Petrochemical Business
Aromatic substance is a Hydrocarbon compound that has at least
6 carbon atoms in a molecule with an aromatic ring molecular structure such as Benzene, Toluene, Paraxylene, Mixed Xylene.

Thai Paraxylene has the capacity to produce a total of 833,000 tons of aromatics products annually, which include:

Paraxylene  527,000 tons/year
Benzene 259,000 tons/year
Mixed Xylene 52,000 tons/year

 

Paraxylene
Paraxylene is used in intermediate petrochemical plant as a raw material for PTA (Purified Terephthalic Acid). Currently, 65% of PTA is used to produce Polyester Fiber or synthetic fiber, which is used as a raw material for apparels such as clothing and fabric bag. Another 30% is used to produce PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) bottle, which is commonly used to contain water and soft drink. The last 5% of PTA is used in the production of various plastic products such as film, food container, and heat resistant plastic bag.

 

Benzene
Benzene is a raw material for intermediate petrochemical plants to make other chemicals including Styrene monomer (55%), Cumene (20%), and Cyclohexane (10%), which are used in the downstream petrochemical industry. 

1. Styrene Monomer (SM) is used in the manufacture of downstream petrochemical products such as: 

a. Polystyrene (PS) used to make electronic parts (e.g., computers, telephones), toys, furniture, printer ink, adhesive, containers, etc.
b. Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) used to make car parts, suitcases, pipe, LEGO blocks, etc. 
c. Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) mostly used to make car tires, rubber hoses, rubber bands, etc. 
d. Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) mostly used in construction, baby diapers,artificial snow, etc. 

2. Cumene is a raw material in the manufacture of Phenol and Acetone which are used as a starting material in making Polycarbonate (PC) found in the construction business such as roofing, as well as in lenses, CDs, and touch screens, etc. 

3. Cyclohexane is used to make Caprolactum which is a raw material for nylon 6, which found in synthetic fibers (in sportswear, tent fabric) and molded plastic beads, etc.

 

Toluene

 

 Toluene usually undergoes different processes to make Benzene and Mixed Xylene. It can also be combined with gasoline to boost the octane value, and can be used as a solvent for coating substances, insecticides, paint, and adhesive, etc.

Mixed Xylenes
Mixed Xylene is a starting material for petrochemical plants in the manufacture of Paraxylene. It can also be used to boost the octane value in gasoline, as well as a solvent for coating substances, insecticides, paint, and adhesive, etc.