Product Details:   Purified isophthalic Acid

Isophthalic acid (IPA) is a non-toxic organic compound with the formula C6H4(CO2H)2. This colorless solid is an isomer of phthalic acid and terephthalic acid. These aromatic dicarboxylic acids are used as precursors (in the form of acylchlorides) to commercially important polymers. The high-performance polymer polybenzimidazole is produced from isophthalic acid.

Isophthalic acid is produced on the billion kilogram/year scale by oxidizing meta-xylene using oxygen. The process employs a cobalt-manganese catalyst.

The (1,3-benzenecarboxylic acid) is the meta form of phthalic acid. It is a white crystalline solid subliming at 345°C. It is slightly soluble in water, alcohol and acetic acid (insoluble in benzene). Isophthalic acid is obtained by oxidizing meta-xylene with chromic acid, or by fusing potassium meta-sulphobenzoate, or meta-brombenzoate with potassium formate.

Isophthalic acid is a key ingredient in FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastics) markets for such products as marine, automotive, and corrosion resistant pipes and tanks. Polyesters containing PIA (Purified Isophthalic Acid) are also used extensively in industrial coatings applications for home appliances, automobiles, aluminum siding, and metal office furniture.

Applications

Purified Isophthalic acid (PIA) is mainly used in production of bottle of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), unsaturated polyester resins, alkyds/polyesters, FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastics), polyurethane resins (insulation materials).

PIA improves clarity of bottles, improves thermal/mechanical/chemical resistance of unsaturated polyester resins, increase resistance to water, overall durability & weatherability and hardness of Alkyds/Polyesters.