Lfyoïïre developing new polymers or looking to improve the performance of existing materials, we can help. Vinyltoluene, divinylbenzene, and vinylbenzyl chloride are specialty styrenic monomers with functional and processing properties which improve physical properties and make production easier for a wide range of polymer-based products. Here's a brief overview of each.
SPECIALTY STYRENIC MONOMERS CH = CH,
CH = CH2
Divinylbenzene—an exceptional cross-linking agent that improves polymer properties Just a small amount of divinylbenzene (DVB)can significantly improve the capabilities of your polymer or elastomer. For example, cross-linking polystyrene with divinylbenzene increases solvent resistance, heat distortion, impact strength, tensile strength, and hardness. And when you need the divinyl functionality for more than just cross-linking, as in the creation of new specialty intermediates or polymers, Dow's unique high-purity grade DVB-HP (70%-85% DVB) should be of particular intrest Circle Reader Service No. 33
Vinyltoluene—the versatile, easy-tohandle alternative to styrene Vinyltoluene (VT) offers significant advantages over styrene in many applications. In alkyd paints, VT lets you use
drying oils of low iodine value such as soybean, cottonseed, tall oil, and tall oil esters. In certain reactions, VT gives better kinetics and solubility. In unsaturated polyesters, VT can increase cure temperature and reduce shrinkage. Compared with styrene, VT has a lower vapor pressure and higher flash point for safer handling. Because VT is less volatile, it is easier to meet government emission standards. Circle Reader Service No. 34
Vinylbenzyl chloride—a dual functional monomer you can polymerize or copolymerize before or after functional group reactions Vinylbenzyl chloride (VBC), also called chloromethylstyrene (CMS), offers you the versatility to create exciting new polymers. You can react VBC before polymerization or polymerize it first and then carry out a reaction on the chloromethyl group. So you can work with reactants and polymers in a way that makes the most sense for your application. VBC also gives you flexibility in polymerization. It can be homopolymerized or copolymerized using solution,
suspension, ionic, mass, emulsion, and other specialized techniques. Circle Reader Service No. 32
Now, of course, there are other good reasons to call Dow when the job calls for a specialty styrenic (or vinyl) monomer. Here are two very important ones. First, all Dow Specialty Monomers are produced under the tightest statistical quality controls—beginning with raw materials right through production and on to storage and shipping of the finished monomers. (In fact, these "quality steps" are so extensive we've published an entire brochure on the subject.) Second, and equally important, these monomers are supported by a staff of premier monomer specialists. They're ready to help you decide when, why, and how to use each product...or steer you to another that will work better. So if the job calls for a special styrenic monomer, give us a call. Dial 1-800-258-2436.
S P E C I A L T Y
Dow *Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company May 1, 1989 C&EN
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