Paraxylene

Paraxylene is a clear liquid with a sweet smell that has irritating vapors. The density of this substance is less than water and it is insoluble in water. Paraxylene is used to make plastic bottles and polyester fibers.

Paraxylene or para-xylene or p-xylene, abbreviated as PX, is an aromatic hydrocarbon derived from benzene. Paraxylene is toxic and flammable at room temperature. This substance is naturally present in gasoline and coal.

This compound has the largest volume of xylene isomers and 98% of it is used in polyester production, especially for the production of fibers, film, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Currently, the paraxylene supply market is witnessing significant growth with the increase in the consumption of pure acid terephthalate (PTA).

The paraxylene market has experienced strong growth with the increase in the use of PTA in the manufacture of polyester. Demand for DMT is slowly declining as polyester producers prefer the economical PTA route, although demand for DMT is increasing in the production of engineering polymers such as polybutylene terephthalate.

In Asia, most of the growth in polyester is related to fiber, which accounts for almost two-thirds of global demand. This fabric is used to make clothes and household items such as bedspreads, curtains, and fabrics.

However, this decline has been offset by strong growth in the PET bottle resin market, which now accounts for more than 30% of global polyester demand. This growth is mainly due to the replacement of glass in soft drinks and mineral water bottles. PET has also found applications in additional markets such as sports drinks, fruit juices, and food products such as oils, sauces, and dressings.

Paraxylene applications

Paraxylene is used as a raw material for the production of other industrial chemicals, especially terephthalic acid (TPA), pure terephthalic acid (PTA), and dimethyl terephthalate (DMT). TPA, PTA, and DMT to produce polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polyesters. Bottles made of PET plastic are widely used as containers for water, soft drinks, and other beverages. Because PET is lightweight, shatter-resistant, and strong. In addition, PET helps retain gas in carbonated beverages. Because it has strong carbon dioxide-blocking properties.

Other uses of PET include:

• containers for cosmetics,
• Other cosmetics consumables,
• curtain fabrics,
• cover and clothing,
• film for x-rays,
• magnetic tape,
• Photographic film and electrical insulation,
• and packaging for welding bags,
• processed meats,
• Small films.

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Paraxylene