Maleic Anhydride

Introduction

Maleic Anhydride is prominent among unsaturated acids for its low price and excellent properties in polyester resins.

Alkyd resins modified in the substitution of 2% of Phthalic Anhydride for Maleic Anhydride, show excellent resistance to water and alkali products as well as good strength and color stability.

Applications

Unsaturated Polyesters – Most unsaturated polyesters consist of unsaturated and saturated dicarboxylic acids, esterified with glycols. Maleic Anhydride stands out among unsaturated acids due to its low price and excellent properties within polyester resins.

Modified Alkyd Resins – Replacing the part of Phthalic Anhydride for Maleic Anhydride, considerably reduces reaction time, due to its high reactive power. With the substitution of only 2% of Phthalic Anhydride for Maleic Anhydride, there is a 35% drop in reaction time. Modified alkyd resins have excellent resistance to water, alkali products, good strength and color stability.

Fumaric Acid and its derivatives – Fumaric acid is obtained by heating Maleic Acid in the presence of a suitable catalyst. This acid has the same applications as its isomer Maleic Acid, in the preparation of unsaturated polyesters, alkyd resins, paints, varnishes, etc.

Esters Maleates – Diethyl, dibutyl, DiisoButil and Di (2-ethylhexyl) maleates are excellent internal plasticizers for polyvinyl acetate, polymethacrylate, polystyrene and other resins. In addition reactions, they are used as intermediates in many chemical reactions.

Other applications – Additives for lubricating oils, paper agglutinates, surfactants, chemicals for water treatment, insecticides, fungicides, maleic acid and other chemical intermediates.