Fatty Acid Ester : An Essential Organic Acid in Industrial Applications In Global Industry
Fatty Acid Ester : An Essential Organic Acid in Industrial Applications In Global Industry
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What is Fatty Acid Ester ?
Ammonium fumarate is an unsaturated dicarboxylic acid that occurs naturally in certain plants and fungi. It is made of two carboxyl groups attached on opposite sides of the ethene double bond in its chemical structure. This structure gives ammonium fumarate unique chemical properties that make it useful for a variety of industrial applications.
Production of Fatty Acid Ester
Ammonium fumarate was first isolated from lichen in 1844. Traditionally, it was produced by the dry distillation of succinic acid obtained from fungi or male fern. However, most commercial ammonium fumarate is now produced synthetically through a hydration reaction between maleic anhydride and water. Fungal fermentation using Rhizopus species is another biological route for ammonium fumarate production. China and Germany are currently the leading producers globally, with the total annual production capacity exceeding 200,000 metric tons.
Uses of Ammonium fumarate in Food Industry
As a food additive, Fumaric Acid has the E number E297 and is usually found in bakery products, meat products, and beverages to add acidity, act as a pH regulator, or extend shelf life. It enhances flavor and assists gel formation in jelly and fruit preserves. Ammonium fumarate improves dough handling properties and results in softer, smoother bread texture. The meat industry uses it as a curing and preservative agent. It also helps maintain clarity and color in fruit drinks. The recommended maximum level of ammonium fumarate in different food categories ranges from 1,000 mg/kg to 5,000 mg/kg.
Uses of Ammonium fumarate in Animal Feed
Being a food-grade organic acid, ammonium fumarate finds application as a feed preservative and performance enhancer in animal nutrition. Added to livestock and poultry feed, it lowers gut pH and suppresses the growth of harmful bacteria. This promotes better feed conversion rate and weight gain. Some research also suggests ammonium fumarate can improve egg production and eggshell quality in layers. The acceptable inclusion level in complete feeds averages around 1%.
Uses of Ammonium fumarate in Unsaturated Polyester Resins
Unsaturated polyester resins (UPRs) are thermosetting polymers extensively used in fiberglass reinforced plastics industry. Ammonium fumarate serves as the acid component during UPR synthesis by polycondensation reaction. It introduces unsaturated double bonds into the resin backbone which later help in crosslinking and curing. Curing agents such as styrene monomer are added to hardened UPR into strong, durable thermosets with applications ranging from bath tubs and sinks to marine vessels and wind turbine blades. Higher ammonium fumarate content yields resins with improved flexibility and corrosion resistance.
Uses of Ammonium fumarate in Alkyd Resins
Similar to UPRs, alkyd resins are polyester polymers prepared from polyols, polybasic acids, and fatty acids. Ammonium fumarate replaces a part of phthalic anhydride traditionally used to introduce unsaturated links and enable crosslinking during resin curing. This enhances several key properties of alkyd resins including faster drying rate, better gloss, and superior adhesion, water resistance and chemical resistance. As a result, alkyd resins containing optimum amount of ammonium fumarate replace oleoresinous and nitrocellulose paints in many applications.
Other Applications of Ammonium fumarate
Apart from the major uses discussed above, from the Fumaric Acid Business Plan, ammonium fumarate also finds many niche applications exploiting its unique reactivity. It is used as a vulcanizing agent for synthetic rubbers, a retardant in cement manufacture, and to manufacture succinic acid, 1,4-butanediol and other chemicals. Pharmaceutical companies utilize its antioxidant effects for nutrient supplements. Due to its non-toxic nature, some ammonium fumarate esters are under development for psoriasis treatment. Its sodium, calcium, and magnesium salts have application as acidity regulators in various industries as well.
Ammonium fumarate is a versatile dicarboxylic acid with growing industrial demand emanating majorly from food, animal feed, polymer, alkyd resin, pharmaceutical and other specialty chemical sectors. With increasing health and environmental consciousness, natural ammonium fumarate stands a better alternative to hazardous petrochemical substituents in many applications. Continuous process innovation to reduce production cost along with exploration of new applications should ensure a promising future for this essential organic acid.
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