The Different Applications of Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is an essential building block chemical used in the production of a wide variety of products and services that are common within our everyday lives. However, we rarely notice this because final products usually contain very little, if any, formaldehyde when we use them. To better understand the importance and widespread use of this chemical, let’s examine the different applications of formaldehyde.

Construction Applications

Formaldehyde plays a crucial role in the manufacturing of composite and engineered wood products, which are often used in the creation of cabinets, countertops, shelving, flooring, and so many other aspects of a home’s construction. Additionally, glues that use formaldehyde have exceptional bonding properties for higher-quality performance. This use of formaldehyde in wood products allows for more sustainable use of forestry resources while minimizing waste, such as recycling wood waste that’s not useful on its own but that can be bonded into usable planks of composite boards.

Agricultural Applications

Farmers have been able to use formaldehyde in agriculture to not only protect their crops from pests and other natural dangers but also to provide healthier, more bountiful crops for a greater harvest. Formaldehyde’s use in agriculture, such as the production of fertilizer or pesticides, shouldn’t be feared but instead understood as a useful tool for fulfilling the demand for food and for protecting us from the real dangers of naturally occurring diseases.

Medical Applications

Formaldehyde has also played an important role in the safe manufacturing of vaccines, anti-infection drugs, and hard-gel capsules. Formaldehyde is responsible for deactivating the sample of viruses within vaccines so that they don’t transmit the diseases to your body, such as the influenza virus for the influenza vaccine.

Automobile Applications

Formaldehyde has been developed into a resin that can be used to mold components within the interior or under the hood of vehicles. These molded components are effective at resisting high temperatures, and they’re also lightweight, making cars more energy efficient. These same resins can be developed within exterior primers and clear-coat paints.