Polytetrahydrofuran
It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Poly(tetramethylene ether) glycol. (Discuss) Proposed since August 2009. |
| Polytetrahydrofuran | |
|---|---|
| File:Polytetrahydrofuran.png | |
| Other names PolyTHF, polytetramethylene ether glycol, PTMEG | |
| style="background: #F8EABA; text-align: center;" colspan="2" | Identifiers | |
| CAS number | 25190-06-1 
|
| style="background: #F8EABA; text-align: center;" colspan="2" | Properties | |
| Molecular formula | (C4H8O)n |
| Molar mass | variable |
| Appearance | white, waxy-like |
| Density | 0.982 g/cm3 (30 °C) |
| Melting point |
23-28 °C |
 (what is this?) (verify)Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) | |
| Infobox references | |
Polytetrahydrofuran (PolyTHF, polytetramethylene ether glycol, PTMEG) is a polymer which, depending on its molecular weight, solidifies between 20 and 30 °C in a waxy-like manner. PolyTHF is transferred by further reactions into polymers with molecular weights of 40,000 and higher.
PolyTHF is a polymer created by linking a series of identical units derived from tetrahydrofuran, thus forming a chain.
An important producer of PolyTHF is BASF in Ludwigshafen (185,000 metric tons per year).[1]
Contents
Fabrication
The starting material for PolyTHF is natural gas. It is used to produce acetylene which is converted in a reaction with formaldehyde to butynediol. The outcome of this is butanediol from which by way of cyclization tetrahydrofuran (THF) is formed in the presence of a catalyst and then polymerized to PolyTHF.
Applications
PolyTHF finds a number of industrial applications:
Textile industry
The textile industry recognizes the intermediate as a raw material for manufacturing elastic fibers, known as Elastan or Spandex. The fibers are processed with nylon, cotton or polyester fibers into fabrics, which are fabricated into underwear, stretch jeans, swimwear, socks and sportswear. The advantage of Spandex-Fibers is their high elasticity. The fibers are also light in weight, smooth to the touch and can easily be dyed.
Other areas of application
Thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers (TPU) are also manufactured out of Polytetrahydrofuran. Other applications include thermoplastic polyesters, polyetheramide and cast polyurethane elastomers, that you find for instance in skateboard rollers or inline skates.
References
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