Innovative applications of paraformaldehyde emerge, different industries to reap benefits

The demand for paraformaldehyde is growing from different industries as its benefits become evident. From resins industry to medical sector, it has proved as an essential material by playing a small or major role in different applications. Its usage in agrochemical sector is increasing as it is effective in prevention of bacterial infections. Moreover, it will be used in oil & gas industries and ink production processes. The application scope will widen as the demand from various industries increase in the coming years. According to the report published by Allied Market Research, the paraformaldehyde market is projected to reach $2.8 billion by 2030. Following are some of the applications of paraformaldehyde:

Resins industry:

Paraformaldehyde plays a crucial role in acting as a major raw material in production of resins along with urea, phenol, melamine, and others. It is a source of formaldehyde groups and can be utilized for producing resins that will be used as glues in making plywood, furniture, and chipboards, glossing agents in paints, and bonding resins in breaks, foundry, and abrasives. Resins would need less dehydration when paraformaldehyde is used in production process. It reduces overall cost and processing time along with improving the yield.

Disinfectants:

When paraformaldehyde is heated, it depolymerizes, reacts with moisture in air, and releases formaldehyde gas.  This process is utilized for decontamination of biological safety cabinets. It is utilized during maintenance work and filter changes. Moreover, it is used as disinfectant in hatcheries, poultries, and sheep sheds for sanitization of bedding. Upon heating, paraformaldehyde helps in lowering down the contamination levels that are caused by viruses, bacteria, and molds.

Medical industry:

Paraformaldehyde is emerging as an alternative to formaldehyde and can facilitate the production of medical adhesives for closing the wounds. The less amount of water in paraformaldehyde can ease the manufacturing of medical adhesives. High purity content of formaldehyde and low water levels improves the efficiency in cyanoacrylate production through lowering the degree of de-polymerization. This helps in development of innovative medical adhesives. Moreover, the powdered form of paraformaldehyde can be used in embalming process in the medical industry. During dental treatments, it can be used as a treatment material for root canals.

Production of inks:

Paraformaldehyde is useful component in production of wide range of ink applications. Paraformaldehyde-based materials are generally used in production of notes, books, and many other materials. The resin-forming aldehyde component is vital in producing cover inks, letterpress, varnishes, and lithographic printing.

Agrochemical industry:

Paraformaldehyde is utilized in production of herbicides such as glyphosate, butachlor, acetochlor, machete, and bismerthiazol. Moreover, when it is fed to animals and birds with forage, it prevents bacterial intestinal infections and fodder intoxications. This is one of the important applications in the agriculture sector.

Oil & gas industry:

Paraformaldehyde is utilized as a raw material in the production of 1,3,5-triazine and lubricants. These materials are essential in ensuring safety and efficiency in oil drilling processes. Paraformaldehyde is considered as a vital component in optimizing the operations in the oil & gas industry.

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