Maleic Anhydride – MA

Maleic Anhydride – MA is an organic compound. It is a very important chemical compound which is made by the vapour phase oxidation of n-butane. Its chemical formula is C4H2O3.
Chemical Appearance
Maleic Anhydride -MA has the appearance of a white crystalline or needle like solid. It has an irritating, choking odour. It is reactive in water.
Chemical Applications and Strengths
Maleic Anhydride – MA or Furan-2,5-dione is an extremely useful chemical compound and therefore, has many industrial applications. Its main applications and
strengths are:
• Maleic Anhydride is most commonly used in the process of production of unsaturated polyester resins UPR.
• UPR along with chopped glass fibres are consumed for the production of fibreglass reinforced plastics that are then used for making products such as pleasure boats, bathroom fixtures, automobiles, tanks, and pipes.
• Hydrogenated Maleic Anhydride, 1,4-Butanediol is utilised in the production of thermoplastic polyurethanes. • It is employed in the making of elastane or spandex fibres.
• It is applicable in the efficient production of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) resins and several other products.
. Maleic Anhydride is very useful in the manufacturing of insecticides.
• It is an excellent compound for the production of surfactants such as the common sodium sulfosuccinate esters.
• Alkenyl succinic anhydrides, which are produced from maleic anhydride, are most popularly used in paper making.
• It is used in the manufacturing of coatings.
• It is widely known in the pharmaceutical industries for the production of pharmaceutical products.
• In the agricultural industry, it is put to use for making various agriculturally important products.
• In the plastic industries, it is consumed as an additive for the production of plastics.
• It is applicable for use in the production of industrial chemicals.
•In the petroleum industries it is used as an efficient additive.
• It is very effective for paper sizing in the paper industries.
• It is a significant ingredient of water treatment chemicals.
• In the production of epoxy curing agents Maleic Anhydride is very useful.
• It is used for making artificial sweeteners.
• It is involved in the production of flavour enhancers in the food industry.
• It is an essential component of personal care products like hair sprays.
• Finally, it may also be utilised in the production of copolymers.