Styrene Monomer (SM) – Polymer Grade Supply

Chemical Name: Styrene (Ethenylbenzene, Vinylbenzene)
Chemical Formula: C₈H₈ (C₆H₅CH=CH₂)
CAS Number: 100-42-5
HS Code: 2902.50
UN Number: 2055 (Styrene Monomer, Stabilized; Flammable Liquid, Class 3; Packing Group III)
Also Known As: SM, Styrene, Vinylbenzene, Phenylethylene
Traded Standard: Polymer grade, ≥ 99.8% wt purity, inhibited with TBC, per ASTM D2827 or the buyer’s plant specification

Styrene monomer is the building block for polystyrene, expandable polystyrene (EPS), ABS, SAN and styrene-butadiene rubber and latex. These go into appliances, packaging, insulation, automotive parts, tyres and paper coatings. India imports most of the styrene it uses, mainly by sea into west-coast terminals, for its polystyrene, ABS, EPS and resin industries.

Ametheus supplies polymer-grade styrene monomer on FOB, CFR/CIF and ex-tank terms to polystyrene and EPS plants, ABS and SBR / latex producers, unsaturated polyester resin makers and trade partners. We supply bulk parcels and ISO-tank containers from established producing regions. We work on a contract basis and do not sell retail.

Technical Specifications

Typical polymer-grade limits. Final specification and Certificate of Analysis are confirmed on each contract.

Parameter Unit Typical Limit (Polymer Grade) Test Method
Appearance — Clear liquid, free from sediment and haze Visual
Purity % wt 99.8 min ASTM D5135
Colour Pt-Co 10 max ASTM D1209
Polymer Content mg/kg 10 max ASTM D2121
Inhibitor (TBC, 4-tert-butylcatechol) mg/kg 10 – 15 (or as agreed) ASTM D4590
Aldehydes (as Benzaldehyde) mg/kg 100 max ASTM D2119
Peroxides (as H₂O₂) mg/kg 50 max ASTM D2340
Ethylbenzene mg/kg Report (typically ≤ 800) ASTM D5135
Phenylacetylene mg/kg 100 max ASTM D5135
Benzene mg/kg Report (typically ≤ 10) ASTM D5135
Total Sulphur mg/kg 5 max ASTM D5453
Water mg/kg 200 max ASTM E1064

Physical notes: Molecular weight 104.15 g/mol. Boiling point ≈ 145°C. Freezing point ≈ −31°C. Flash point ≈ 31°C (closed cup). Relative density ≈ 0.906 (20°C). Styrene does not mix with water.

Key Applications

Styrenic Polymers (dominant use)

  • General-purpose and high-impact polystyrene (GPPS, HIPS) for appliances, packaging and disposables
  • Expandable polystyrene (EPS) for insulation boards and protective packaging
  • ABS and SAN for appliance housings, automotive parts and electronics

Rubber & Latex

  • Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) for tyres and footwear
  • Styrene-butadiene (SB) latex for paper coating and carpet backing
  • Styrenic block copolymers (SBS, SEBS) for adhesives and bitumen modification

Resins & Coatings

  • Reactive diluent in unsaturated polyester resins (UPR) for FRP, pipes, tanks and boats
  • Styrene-acrylic emulsions for paints and coatings

Packaging & Logistics

  • Bulk chemical tanker parcels (typically 2,000 – 15,000 MT) into coastal terminals, with temperature monitoring on the voyage
  • ISO tank containers (about 20 – 22 MT net), insulated where transit times or ambient temperatures are high
  • Road tankers ex-tank for domestic deliveries, where available
  • 200 L steel drums for smaller lots, subject to availability

Load-port inspection is done by an independent surveyor (SGS, Intertek, Saybolt or similar), including an inhibitor certificate. The surveyor checks prior cargoes and tank cleanliness before loading. On long voyages, cargo temperature, inhibitor and polymer content are checked during the voyage and at discharge.

Storage & Handling

Styrene is flammable and can polymerise on its own if it is too warm or its inhibitor runs out. Polymerisation gives off heat and can become a runaway reaction.

  • Keep stored product cool, ideally below about 20 – 25°C. Insulate, shade or cool tanks in hot climates.
  • Check TBC inhibitor and polymer content regularly, and top up the inhibitor as needed. Rotate stock and avoid long storage.
  • TBC only works when some dissolved oxygen is present. Do not blanket with pure nitrogen. Use lean air or follow the producer’s guidance.
  • Ground and bond all transfers. Use spark-proof tools and explosion-proof equipment.
  • Use appropriate PPE: chemical-resistant gloves, goggles and, where needed, respiratory protection. Styrene vapour irritates eyes and the respiratory tract.
  • Domestic receipt and storage in India require the buyer’s statutory licences (e.g. PESO) and any applicable state permits.
  • Shipped as UN 2055, Class 3, PG III under IMDG. Full SDS is available on request.

Commercial Terms

  • Incoterms 2020: FOB load port, CFR / CIF discharge port (e.g. Kandla, Hazira, Dahej, JNPT), or ex-tank
  • Pricing: Fixed price per MT, or formula-linked to recognised benchmarks (e.g. ICIS / Platts / Argus styrene CFR India or CFR China), as agreed
  • Payment: LC or CAD against documents on first contracts
  • Quality: Load-port and/or discharge inspection as agreed. COA, inhibitor certificate, SDS and Certificate of Origin are provided.
  • Lots: From ISO-tank quantities up to bulk parcels, depending on origin and the discharge terminal

Why Ametheus

Inquiry

For current availability, grade, quantity and delivery window, contact the commodities desk with:

  • Product & grade (polymer grade, or your plant specification including TBC level)
  • Quantity (per lift and annual volume)
  • Discharge port / delivery location and storage arrangements (cooled or ambient tank)
  • Delivery window
  • Preferred Incoterm and packaging (bulk, ISO tank, drums)

Commodities desk
Ametheus Holdings Pvt Ltd
[email protected] | [email protected]
New buyers: please complete the Preliminary KYC form or contact us.

We respond on live enquiries. Bulk quantities only; we do not sell samples or retail lots.

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