Trends in cresylic acid production and utilization

Cresylic acid plays an integral part in the application of insulation on magnet wire. It provides the necessary resin solvency, boiling characteristics, and thermal energy to enable efficient and high quality coating of wire-ranging from large rectangular to ultra fine wire. There have been significant changes in the worldwide cresylic acid picture, particularly with regard to raw material sources, production, and isomer distribution. This paper reviews the historical trends and the present situation, describes the evolution of a selected wire enamel solvent product in response to these trends, and looks to the future.