Aromatic hydrocarbons (AHs) are important basic organic chemical raw materials with applications covering multiple fields such as textiles, light industry, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. Their core applications can be divided into two main categories: industrial production and daily life applications.
Core Industrial Uses
Synthetic Polymer Materials
p-xylene (PX) is one of the most widely used aromatic hydrocarbons. Over 98% is oxidized to terephthalic acid (PTA), which is ultimately used to produce polyethylene terephthalate (PET, or polyester). PET is a core raw material for making textile fibers (over 60% of textile raw materials come from it) and beverage packaging bottles (approximately 80% of beverage bottles are made from it). In addition, aromatic hydrocarbons can also be used to synthesize other polymer materials such as polystyrene plastics, styrene-butadiene rubber, and polyester synthetic fibers.
Chemical Raw Materials and Intermediates
Benzene, toluene, and xylene are basic chemical raw materials used in the preparation of explosives (such as trinitrotoluene (TNT), dyes, pesticides, and synthetic resins. Ethylbenzene can be used to produce styrene monomer, and aromatic hydrocarbons such as phenanthrene can be used to synthesize pharmaceuticals and dyes.
Industrial Solvents and Rubber Processing Aids: Benzene, toluene, etc. can be used as organic solvents to dissolve other organic compounds and are used in coatings, adhesives, and other applications. Aromatic oils (petroleum-based aromatic products) have good rubber compatibility, can improve rubber processing performance, help filler mixing and dispersion, and can also enhance the anti-aging and wear resistance of rubber. They are widely used in the production of reclaimed rubber and rubber products.