VERSATILE USES AND IMPORTANCE OF ADIPIC ACID

Adipic Acid

 is a key industrial chemical best know as a crucial building block in the production of nylon and various high-performance materials. Its unique combination of stability, reactivity, and purity makes it indispensable across manufacturing, food technology, pharmaceuticals, and specialty chemical sectors.

INDUSTRIAL USES

Nylon 6.6 Production

More than 90 % of global adipic acid output is dedicated to producing nylon 6.6 - a strong, abrasion-resistant polymer used in:

* Textiles and apparel,

* Carpets and floor covering,

* Engineering plastics,

* Automotive parts such as air-intake manifolds, radiator  end tanks, and under-the-hood components.

Nylon 6.6's high melting point, durability, and mechanical strength make it ideal for demanding environments.

Polyurethanes

Adipic acid is a major raw material in the production of polyurethane foams and elastomers. It contributes to:

* Flexible foams (furniture, bedding),

* Rigid foams (insulation panels),

* Elastomers (shoe soles, belts, coatings, industrial rollers),

* High-performance coatings and adhesives.

Its flexibility and compatibility with isocyanates enhance polyurethane performance across industries.

Plasticisers

Adipic acid is esterified to produce adipate plasticisers, which impart softness, flexibility, and low temperature performance to PVC. These plasticisers are commonly used in:

* Cable insulation,

* Flooring materials,

* Food-grade films,

* Medical tubing.

OTHER INDUSTRIAL AND CHEMICAL APPLICATIONS

Adipic acid also plays a vital role in:

* Adhesives and sealants,

* Synthetic lubricants and oils,

* Perfumes and fragrances (as a stabiliser and intermediate),

* Synthetic dyes and pigments,

* Pesticides and agricultural chemicals.

Its stability and reactivity make it beneficial in numerous chemical syntheses.

FOOD AND BEVERAGES USES

Acidulant and Flavour Enhancer
In the food industry, adipic acid provides a clean, tart, long-lasting acidity - a flavour appreciated in:

* Gelatin desserts,

* Powdered drink mixes,

* Soft drinks,

* Confectionery products.

It is often preferred over other acids because it produces less hygroscopicity, improving shelf-life and texture.

Gelling Aid

In gelatin-based food, adipic acid improves gel strength, texture, and clarity, helping stabilise:

* Gelatin desserts,

* Puddings,

* Processed fruit gels.

Leavening Agent

Adipic acid is used in some baking powders because it reacts slowly with baking soda, providing controlled leavening and better volume in baked goods.

PHARMACEUTICAL AND MEDICAL APPLICATIONS

Adipic acid is utilised in:

* Controlled-release drug formulations,

* Coatings for tablets and capsules,

* Polymeric film production for medical devices,

* pH modifiers in certain formulations.

Its biocompatibility and stability make it suitable for pharmaceutical environments.

INDUSTRIAL PROCESS APPLICATIONS

Lubricants

As a component of synthetic esters, adipic acid contributes to:
* High-performance lubricating oils,

* Refrigeration oils,

* Hydraulic fluids.

These lubricants offer good thermal stability and low-temperature fluidity.

pH Buffer

Adipic acid functions as a buffering agent in various industrial processes, including:

* Flue gas desulfurisation,

* Metal surface treatment,

* Water purification systems.

Its controlled dissociation makes it effective in maintaining stable pH levels.

MANUFACTURING AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

Production

Industrial adipic acid is primarily produced from:

* Cyclohexanone and cyclohexanol (KA oil) via nitric acid oxidation,

* Emerging bio-based fermentation routes from glucose or renewable feedstocks.

Environmental Impact

Traditional production release nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas. As a result, modern manufacturers are:

* Capturing or decomposing nitrous oxide emissions,

* Transitioning to bio-based adipic acid,

* Improving energy efficiency and cleaner catalytic processes.

These efforts support sustainability goals and reduce carbon footprints.

CONCLUSION

Adipic acid is a highly versatile compound with critical applications in nylon production, polyurethane manufacturing, food processing, pharmaceuticals, and multiple industrial processes. Its chemical stability, performance characteristics, and adaptability ensure its continued importance across global industries - while emerging technologies aim to produce it more sustainably for the future.

• Related Articles

• UHT PROCESSING OF MILK

  PRINCIPLES, APPLICATIONS, AND STANDARDS IN SOUTH AFRICAN DAIRY PRODUCTION. 1. Introduction Ultra-High Temperature (UHT) processing is a modern heat-treatment technology designed to extend the shelf-life of milk by destroying all pathogenic and ...

• FOOD, NUTRITION AND HEALTH - VARIOUS ARTICLES

  ATTACHED: NEW NUTRITION BUSINESS PUBLICATION VOLUME 25 NUMBER 7 (APRIL 2020)

• THE ART AND SCIENCE OF AGED CHEESE PRODUCTION

  Aged cheeses represent one of the most celebrated achievements in dairy craftsmanship, combining time, temperature, and microbial activity to create complex flavours, textures, and aromas. The aging process - also known as affinage - is a delicate ...

• ADVANCING EFFICIENCY AND QUALITY IN DAIRY PRODUCTION WITH DIRECT STEAM INJECTION

  Modern dairy production relies on precise temperature control, rapid heating, and consistent quality to ensure product safety, taste, and nutrition. From pasteurisation to fermentation, maintaining accurate heat levels is critical to achieving high ...

• CHEMICAL AND BACTERIOLOGICAL CHANGES AT HIGH HEAT TREATMENT

  When milk is kept at a high temperature for a long time, certain chemical reaction products are formed, which results in discoloration (browning). It also acquires a cooked and caramel flavour, and there is occasionally a great deal of sediment. ...