Maleic anhydride(MA) (CAS: 108-31-6)

Maleic anhydride is an organic compound with the formula C2H2(CO)2O. It is the acid anhydride of maleic acid. it is a colourless or white solid with an acrid odour. It is produced industrially on a large scale for applications in coatings and polymers.

Uses

Around 50% of world maleic anhydride (MA) output is used in the manufacture of unsaturated polyester resins (UPR). Chopped glass fibres are added to UPR to produce fibreglass reinforced plastics which are used in a wide range of applications such as pleasure boats, bathroom fixtures, automobiles, tanks and pipes. However, the UPR market reflects general economic conditions as it is tied to the construction, automobile and marine industries.

The production of 1,4-butandiol (BDO) is also having an impact on the MA market. BDO is one of the world’s fastest growing chemicals used in the production of thermoplastic polyurethanes, elastane/Spandex fibres, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) resins and many other products. However, BDO is made from a crude MA which is not traded and only used for this application.

Another market for MA is lubricating oil additives, which are used in gasoline and diesel engine crankcase oils as dispersants and corrosion inhibitors. Changes in lubricant specifications and more efficient engines have had a negative effect on the demand for lubricating oil additives, giving flat growth prospects for MA in this application.

There are a number of smaller applications for MA. The food industry uses MA in artificial sweeteners and flavour enhancements. Personal care products consuming MA include hair sprays, adhesives and floor polishes. MA is also used in water treatment chemicals, detergents, insecticides and fungicides, pharmaceuticals and copolymers.