FORMALDEHYDE (FORMALIN)
Paint chemicals 2025-03-21
To manufacture formaldehyde by oxidation method, fresh air is mixed with process recirculation gas, which will be reacted in a fixed-bed reactor to produce formaldehyde gas catalyzed by a metal oxide catalyst, and the formaldehyde gas will be absorbed into semi-finished formaldehyde products by water through an absorption tower, which will be transferred to the formaldehyde barrel area and then adjusted to 14~44% finished products.
FORMALDEHYDE (FORMALIN): TECHNICAL DATA SHEET
| Category | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Formaldehyde (Formalin: 37-40% aqueous solution) |
| CAS No. | 50-00-0 (Formaldehyde), 30525-89-4 (Formalin) |
| Molecular Formula | CH₂O |
| Appearance | Colorless gas (pure); Clear liquid (Formalin) |
| Odor | Pungent, suffocating |
| Density (20°C) | 0.815 g/cm³ (gas), 1.09 g/cm³ (Formalin) |
| Boiling Point | -19°C (gas), 96°C (Formalin) |
| Flash Point | 85°C (Formalin, closed cup) |
Key Properties
| Property | Performance Data |
|---|---|
| Solubility | Miscible with water, alcohol, acetone |
| Reactivity | Strong reducing agent; polymerizes readily |
| Preservative Action | Effective bactericide/fungicide at 0.5-5% |
| pH (Formalin) | 2.5-4.5 (stabilized with methanol) |
| Vapor Pressure | 52 kPa (20°C, gas) |
Applications
| Industry | Primary Uses |
|---|---|
| Healthcare | Disinfectant, tissue preservation (10% Formalin) |
| Resins Production | Urea-formaldehyde, phenol-formaldehyde resins |
| Textiles | Anti-wrinkle finishing agent |
| Agriculture | Soil sterilant, seed treatment |
| Cosmetics | Nail hardeners (≤0.2% concentration) |
Safety & Handling
| Parameter | Requirements |
|---|---|
| GHS Classification | H301, H311, H314, H317, H331, H335, H350 |
| Exposure Limits (OSHA) | 0.75 ppm (TWA), 2 ppm (STEL) |
| PPE | Respirator, gloves, goggles, lab coat |
| Storage | Sealed containers, 15-25°C, ventilated area |
| Fire Fighting | Water spray, alcohol-resistant foam |
Environmental Impact
| Aspect | Data |
|---|---|
| VOC Status | Yes (Formalin contains methanol) |
| Biodegradability | Readily biodegradable (aqueous) |
| Atmospheric Lifetime | ~1 hour (reacts with hydroxyl radicals) |
| Regulatory Restrictions | Restricted in cosmetics (EU), listed as carcinogen (IARC Group 1) |
Comparison with Alternatives
| Feature | Formaldehyde | Glutaraldehyde | Hydrogen Peroxide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disinfection Efficiency | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆ |
| Toxicity | High | Moderate | Low |
| Material Compatibility | Corrosive to metals | Less corrosive | Non-corrosive |
References:
- NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (2023)
- IARC Monographs Vol. 100F (Formaldehyde carcinogenicity)
