Oil and gas production handbook An introduction to oil and gas production

Figure 25, Aromatics – toluene and benzene, polyurethane and 
phenolic chain 
 
Tolune diisocyanate (TDI) is an isocyanate used in the production of 
polyurethanes for flexible foam applications, ranging from furniture, bedding, 
and carpet underlay to transportation and packaging. TDI is also used in the 
manufacture of coatings, sealants, adhesives and elastomers. 
 
Nylon is a generic designation for a family of synthetic polymers known 
generically as aliphatic polyamides derived from benzene, first produced in 
1935 by DuPont. Nylon can be used to form fibers, filaments, bristles, or 
sheets to be manufactured into yarn, fabric, and cordage; and it can be 

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formed into molded products. Nylon is tough, elastic and strong, and it has 
high resistance to wear, heat, and chemicals. It is generally used in the form 
of fine filaments in such articles as hosiery and sports equipment, e.g., 
parachutes; but its applications also include engineering plastics for cars, 
toys, healthcare products, carpets, roller-blade wheels and ship sails. 
 
There are many varieties of nylon that have their own characteristic 
properties. Nylon plastics are used for making such products as combs, 
brushes and gears. Nylon yarns, on the other hand, are used for making 
nylon fabrics. When talking about nylon textile, there are two types that are 
mostly prevalent in the market: nylon 6-6 (also written as nylon 6,6) and 
nylon 6. 
 
Phenol is an aromatic alcohol, mainly used as an intermediate in organic 
synthesis. Essentially, it serves as a raw material for the production of 
bisphenol A, phenolic resins, alkylphenols and caprolactam. It is a 
poisonous, acidic compound obtained from coal tar or benzene and used 
mainly as a disinfectant or antiseptic, carbolic acid; any hydroxyl derivative of 
benzene. 
 
Phenolic resins are manufactured from phenol. They are used in wood 
products and molding powders applications, and also have a wide range of 
applications on the electrical, mechanical and decorative markets, in the 
automotive industry, in building and construction, in thermal insulation 
products and in foundry industry products. 
 
Epoxy resin is a flexible resin made using phenols and used chiefly in 
coatings, adhesives, electrical laminants and composites for its excellent 
adhesion, strength and chemical resistance. 
 
Polycarbonates are a particular group of thermoplastics. They are easily 
worked, molded, and thermoformed; as such, these plastics are very widely 
used in modern manufacturing. Polycarbonate is becoming more common in 
housewares, as well as laboratories and in industry. It is often used to create 
protective features, for example, in banks as well as vandal-proof windows 
and lighting lenses for many buildings. 
 
7.1.3 Benzene and styrenic chain, derivatives 
Polystyrene is solid plastic made from polymerized styrene. It is the second 
most common plastic and used in a wide variety of everyday applications, 
from coffee cups to CD jewel boxes. It is a thermoplastic polymer in a solid 
“glassy” state at room temperature, but flows if heated above about 100 °C. 

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It becomes solid again when cooled. This allows polystyrene to be extruded, 
molded and vacuum-formed in molds with fine detail and high finish.