Technology Spotlight: Episode 4
Get reacquainted with Pyromellitic dianhydride, the workhorse fine chemical you need in your formulating toolbox
Pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA), CAS# 89-32-7, is an organic compound with the formula C₆H₂(C₂O₃)₂, shown below:
This versatile fine chemical is approaching its 100 year anniversary! That's a lot of history, with plenty of changes in manufacturers, processes, quality, and availability. It's worth your while to understand the current landscape for PMDA, including how to find a trusted supplier in today's volatile market.
Let’s start with applications. Can you name them all? Here’s a start:
Co-monomer for polyimide synthesis and manufacture of bushings, gaskets, fibers, films, matrix resins, wire enamels and varnishes
Thermal curative for epoxy coating powders used in electronic insulation
Thermal curative for epoxy electrical castings used in component isolation and protection
Thermal curative for fusion-bonded-epoxy coatings used in industrial surface protection
Processing agent for PET foams,, used to improve dimensional stability during extrusion
Chain branching agent for prime and recycled PET, used to increase intrinsic viscosity and melt strength
How is it that PMDA can impact the processing and properties of so many polymers, with so many different chemistries? And why is this important for everyday life? Here are some specific examples:
High temperature, high strength-to-weight composites, replacing traditional metals in aircraft engines
More reliable, longer life electronic devices including smartphones and automotive safety systems
Larger, more efficient wind turbine blades for sustainable energy production
Upcycling of recycled plastics to close the loop on circular economy
If PMDA is so critical to the value chain of these markets and applications, then surely there must be a secure supply position. Yes and no. PMDA has been manufactured by many companies in the US, Japan, and EU. Over the course of the last 10+ years, production has moved exclusively to China, and while many companies represent themselves as manufacturers, most are traders, offering product of varying quality with too-good-to-be-true pricing. Let the buyer beware. There are currently two well-established Chinese manufacturers with capacity in the thousands of tons per year, well-connected to critical petroleum feedstocks including Durene, the availability of which contributes to market volatility. For those customers requiring smaller but regular PMDA deliveries, authorized channel partners are the best means of securing product. Nexam Chemical is a premier partner, offering NEXAMITE B02, a minimum 99.5% purity grade that is REACH-registered, SVHC and RoHS-compliant, meets relevant Food Contact Material Regulations, and is available worldwide via a robust logistics network.
Looking for smaller volumes of high-quality PMDA from a secure, reliable partner? Prefer PMDA in a masterbatch for ease of dosing? Reach out for a free initial consultation today.