Aa

ABS
See Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene.

Acid
Any substance that in water solution tastes sour, changes the colour of certain indicators, promotes certain chemical reactions, etc. Examples of acids include inorganic substances such as sulfuric, nitric, and phosphoric acids, and organic compounds such as citric or maleic acid.

Acrylonitrile
Acrylonitrile is a chemical intermediate used in acrylic fibres, ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene), SAN (styrene-acrylonitrile) and NBR (nitrile-butadiene-rubber).

Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS)
ABS is a tough, heat-resistant and impact-resistant thermoplastic, the acrylonitrile providing heat resistance, and the styrene units giving rigidity. It is widely used for appliance and telephone housings, luggage, sporting helmets, pipe fittings and automotive parts.

Additives
In many plastic products, the polymer is only one constituent. In order to arrive at a set of properties appropriate to the product, the polymer is almost always combined with other ingredients, or additives, which are mixed in during processing and fabrication. Among these additives are impact modifiers, colorants, reinforcements, plasticisers and stabilisers. See also plastics and conversion.

Agrochemical
A chemical, such as a hormone, fungicide, or insecticide, that improves or protects the production of crops.

Alcohol
Alcohols are amongst the most common organic compounds. Well-known alcohols include methanol (methyl alcohol, or wood alcohol), ethanol (ethyl alcohol, or grain alcohol) and isopropyl alcohol (the common alcohol known as rubbing alcohol and used as a germicide). Alcohols are also valuable as intermediates in the synthesis of other compounds.

Aliphatic
Any organic compound in which the main structure is a chain of carbon atoms joined to each other.

Alkyl benzene
One of the most important organic raw materials for the production of synthetic detergents.

Alkylphenol
Alkylphenol is produced using phenol as a starting material. It is mainly used as a stabiliser for rubbers and plastics, as a surfactant, as an industrial detergent, and in the mining and textile industries.

APA
Aromatics Producers Association.

APME
Association of Plastics Manufacturers in Europe, the Plastics Programme of Cefic.

APPE
Association of Petrochemicals Producers in Europe

Aromatics
Aromatics, so called because of their distinctive perfumed smell, are a group of hydrocarbons including, mainly, benzene, toluene and the xylenes. These are basic chemicals used as starting materials for a wide range of consumer products. Almost all aromatics come from crude oil, although small quantities are made from coal.

Atom
The smallest unit into which matter can be divided without the release of electrically charged particles, and also the smallest unit of matter that cannot be decomposed into simpler substances by ordinary chemical processes. Hence the atom is the basic building block of chemistry. Atoms, also called chemical elements, can combine with one another to form compounds.

Auto Oil programme
A technical work programme launched in 1992 by the European Commission and in which the European automobile and oil industries participated. The aim of this programme was to assess the most cost-effective measures for reducing emissions from the road transport sector to a level consistent with the EU air quality standards. Several petrochemical sectors have been involved in this process. Some measures have already been implemented; a further set of restrictions will be implemented by 2005.

Bb

Benzene
Benzene is the simplest aromatic compound, with a ring of six carbon atoms and six hydrogen atoms. It is a colourless liquid occurring naturally in fossil raw materials such as crude oil and coal, produced during processing of petroleum liquids and through chemical reactions. It is one of the most important feedstocks for the chemical industry, used for the manufacture of a wide range of everyday items, and is not itself used directly by consumers.

Biodegradability
A material's biodegradability is its ability to be decomposed, or broken down, in most cases into innocuous products, by the action of living things, typically microorganisms.

Biofuel
Biofuels are gas or liquid fuel (alcohols, ethers, esters, and other chemicals) made from plant material, agricultural and forestry residues, and a large portion of municipal solid and industrial waste. Biofuels include material as diverse as wood, wood waste, peat, wood sludge, agricultural waste, stray, sludge waste, municipal solid waste, landfill gasesÉ Biofuels for transportation include bioethanol, biodiesel, biomethanol, and pyrolysis oils.

Bisphenol A (BPA)
An industrial chemical used to make polycarbonate plastic used for structural parts, impact-resistant glazing, street-light globes, household appliance parts, components of electrical/electronic devices, compact discs, automotive applications, reusable bottles, food and drink containers, and many other products. It is also used in the production of epoxy resins for coatings, food and beverage can linings, electrical laminates, composites and adhesives, and in other products.

BPA
See Bisphenol A

BTX
Benzene, toluene and xylenes.


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