1,4-Butanediol; Cas No.:110-63-4

BDO is used to manufacture polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). PBT’s high strength, excellent thermal stability and good durability lead to its many uses in the automotive, electrical and appliance industries. PBT is also compatible with several other thermoplastics which enable a compounder to tailor a polymer alloy to an end user’s specifications. BDO is a key component of thermoplastic copolyester elastomers. These elastomers rely upon BDO to provide crystallinity which in turn provides elasticity and resilience to these terephthalate-based polyester.

Polyesters

In polyurethane applications, BDO is primarily used as a component of polyester or as a chain extender. For example, polyesters such as poly (butylene adipate) diols are formulated into urethane elastomers with excellent oil, chemical and UV resistance. In addition, these materials have good mechanical properties over a broad temperature range, as well as good flex and abrasion resistance.

As a chain extender with MDI systems, BDO provides a good balance between hardness and low temperature flexibility. On comparison to other diols, BDO combines the best attributes of hydroxyl reactivity, linearity and overall system compatibility to build in the proper crystallinity required in the polyurethane hard segment. Also, the BDO/MDI systems provide a lower exposure hazard than MOCA/TDI systems.

BDO is used as a chain extender for thermoplastic urethane elastomers. BDO yields crystalline urethane domains which readily melt and flow at elevated temperatures, but phase separate at ambient temperatures in order to yield tough elastomeric networks.

Cast urethane elastomers continue to be a major end use of BDO because of overall consistency and reliability.

Current applications of BDO-based urethane elastomers include automotive front and rear end fascia, bumpers, fenders and spoilers. Non-automotive applications include footwear, electrical enclosures, recreation equipment, appliances and furniture.

Urethane RIM elastomers using BDO allow design freedom and parts consolidation with large, complex shapes.

Polyester Plasticizers

BDO-based polyester plasticizers impart superior compatibility with vinyl polymers while providing non-migrating characteristics. In addition, polyesters based upon BDO have excellent oxidation resistance and good low temperature flexibility.

Copolyester Hot Melt and Solvent borne Adhesives

BDO is a key component of copolyesters of isophthalic acid and terephthalic acid used in hot melt adhesive applications. BDO yields polyesters with excellent adhesives and cohesive strength.

Derivatives

BDO is the key raw material of several industrially important derivatives, particularly tetrahydrofuran, gamma-butyrolactone, and N-methyl pyrrolidone.

BDO is not intended for human consumption or in a direct consumer product or application as either a pure substance or as a component of a mixture.