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Chemicals & Polymers

Core Aromatics

End Uses

Benzene

Feedstock for cumene, ethylbenzene/styrene and cyclohexane. Derivatives are used in manufacturing monomers for tires, nylon for carpet and apparel, polystyrene packaging, and hard plastics for a wide variety of durable and non-durable consumer applications.

Toluene

Solvent and gasoline octane enhancer. Derivatives are used in production of polyurethane foams for furniture, insulation, jogging shoes, etc. Toluene is also a feedstock for benzene and xylene production.

Xylenes

Feedstock for orthoxylene, paraxylene, and metaxylene (see below).

Aromatics

End Uses

Cumene

Feedstock for phenol which is used in the manufacture of polycarbonates, epoxy resins, phenolic resins, and caprolactam. End use includes CDs/DVDs, housings for appliances and small power tools, signage, automotive parts, and phenolic resins for plywood.

Cyclohexane

Cyclohexane consumption is linked almost entirely to nylon production. Nylon is further processed into fibers for applications in carpeting, automotive tire cord and clothing. There is a growing market for molded nylon resins for automobile manufacturing and other industrial applications.

Metaxylene

Feedstock for isophthalic acid which is used as an intermediate in the manufacture of polyesters for coatings, inks, reinforced plastics, and packaging applications.

Orthoxylene

Feedstock for phthalic anhydride which is used as a plasticizer in PVC pipes, coatings, and cables.

Paraxylene

Feedstock for terephthalic acid (PTA) which is used in the production of polyester. End uses include plastic (PET) soft drink bottles, fibers for tires, clothing, carpeting, and film for video and audiotape.

Aromatics Solvents

End Uses

Heavy Reformate (C9+)

Feedstock for pseudocumene and specialty solvents (see below).

Pseudocumene

Feedstock for trimellitic anhydride which is used as a plasticizer additive in molded PVC to provide flexibility and softness.

SURE SOL®–100 and
SURE SOL®–150

Specialty solvents for resins, adhesives, and coatings.