Dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) is produced as part of the separation process of crude C5 materials from pyrolysis gasoline (pygas), both of which are by-products of ethylene manufacture. It is a colourless, waxy, flammable solid or liquid, with a camphor-like odour.
Dicyclopentadiene is used in many products, ranging from high quality optical lenses through to flame retardants for plastics and hot melt adhesives. As a chemical intermediate it is used in insecticides, as a hardener and dryer in linseed and soybean oil, and in the production of EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) elastomers, metallocenes, resins, varnishes, and paints. DCPD-containing products are also used in the production of hydrocarbon resins and unsaturated polyester resins.
Did you know?
Boats, baths, buttons and water tanks are just some of the products that can be linked to dicyclopentadiene, through the production of unsaturated polyester resins.
