Urea-formaldehyde concentrate

As urea-formaldehyde concentrate is called an aqueous solution of formaldehyde and urea , which in contrast to the pure aqueous solution of formaldehyde, known as formalin , is very storage stable. The often more common abbreviation UFC is derived from the English name "Urea Formaldehyde Concentrate".

Manufacturing

The industrial production of UFC is performed as a subsequent step after the formaldehyde - synthesis . The gaseous formaldehyde is absorbed in an aqueous urea solution.

properties

UFC is a clear to slightly cloudy liquid that smells strongly of formaldehyde.

Chemically, the UFC is made up of dissolved formaldehyde and mono-, di- and trimethylolurea.

The composition of UFC is described by two quantities:

• Molar ratio (MV): The molar ratio of formaldehyde to urea is typically 5.0
• Solid resin (FH): the sum of the formaldehyde and urea salaries is usually 70 or 80%

use

Formalin solutions become less and less stable in storage with increasing concentration. A solution with 50% formaldehyde forms a precipitate at room temperature. For example, methanol is added for stabilization . Wherever possible, however, UFC is used as the raw material, as it offers not only high storage stability but also the advantage of a lower water content.

It is mainly used as a raw material for aminoplasts , such as glue for the chipboard industry .