Itaconic Acid Used In Production Of Films, Fibers, And Coatings
Itaconic Acid is an organic acid that occurs naturally and has many industrial uses. It is a dicarboxylic acid also referred to as methylenesuccinic acid. Itaconic acid has the chemical formula C5H6O4 and a molecular weight of 130.09 g/mol. It has a melting point of around 135 °C and is a white, crystalline solid. Itaconic acid has a sour flavor and is soluble in water. Itaconic acid has a wide range of applications in various industries, including the production of polymers, adhesives, coatings, and resins.
In the polymer industry, Itaconic Acid is used as a monomer to produce copolymers, which are used in the production of films, fibers, and coatings. These copolymers are known for their excellent mechanical properties, thermal stability, and chemical resistance. Aspergillus terreus, a type of fungus, uses the fermentation of carbohydrates to create itaconic acid. The fungus must first be grown on a substance like glucose or molasses, after which itaconic acid must be extracted and purified from the fermentation broth.
