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PROFILE ON STYRENE

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PROFILE ON STYRENE

1. Application details............................................................................................................................. 3

2. Indian import .................................................................................................................................... 3

3. Indian portwise import – Period April 2011 to March 2012 ............................................................. 4

4. Indian countrywise import – Period April 2011 to March 2012 ....................................................... 4

5. Indian supply ..................................................................................................................................... 5

6. Consumption norm for styrene monomer........................................................................................ 5

7. Advantages of styrene based polymer ............................................................................................. 6

8. Sectorwise demand pattern– April 2011-March 2012 ..................................................................... 7

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1. Application details

Styrene monomer is used in the following application sector

• Polystyrene

• Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)

• Styrene acrylonitrile resins

• Styrene butadiene copolymer latexes,

• Styrene butadiene rubber (SBR)

• Polystyrene mouldings

• Unsaturated polyester resin

• Ion exchange resins

• Miscellaneous including paint

2. Indian import

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3. Indian portwise import – Period April 2011 to March 2012

4. Indian countrywise import – Period April 2011 to March 2012

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5. Indian supply

Presently styrene monomer is not manufactured in India. Though, previously it was produced. It is

confirmed by the following two organisations who import styrene for their captive consumption.

6. Consumption norm for styrene monomer

Finished product Consumption norm in kg (Basis: One kg)

Polystyrene 0.971

EPS 0.96

GPPS 0.96

Styrene Acrylonitrile polymer 0.784

SBR (Grade S-1502) 0.246

SBR (Grade S-1712) 0.174

SBR (Grade S-1958) 0.478

SBR latex 0.105 to 0.196

ABS resin 0.691 (Bulk polym)

0.639 (injection polym)

0.410 (emulsion polym)

Acrylic resin binder 0.095

Anionic exchange resin 0.435

Isophthalate unsaturated polyester resin 0.307 to 0.403

Strong acid cation exchange resin 0.331

Styrenated phenol 0.712

Synthetic acrylic resin emulsion 0.104

Cross Linked Polystryene (Stryene-Divinyl Benzene

Co-polymer)

1.106

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7. Advantages of styrene based polymer

Unique characteristics

Styrene-based materials offer unique characteristics of the following

• Toughness,

• High performance

• Versatile design

• Simplicity of production, and economy.

• Excellent hygiene, sanitation and safety benefits

• Superior insulation qualities for building construction

Styrene – safe for food package

Styrene is made naturally by various living things and is found in a number of foods, including cinnamon,

strawberries and nuts. Scientific studies have shown that the small amounts of styrene consumers may

be exposed to are not harmful; studies have also shown that, should exposure occur, styrene does not

stay in the body for long and is rapidly metabolized and excreted.

Food Service

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates food safety and the safety of food contact

packaging, has cleared polystyrene food packaging as safe for both hot and cold food and drink.

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8. Sectorwise demand pattern– April 2011-March 2012

Total demand for styrene 620300 tonnes

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