What is DCPD?
(Dicyclopentadiene)

DCPD, a colorless liquid with a camphor-like odor, is a dicyclic olefin in the chemical family of unsaturated cyclic hydrocarbons with a chemical formula of C10H12. Cyclopentadiene, from which DCPD is produced, is a component of C5 olefin streams that are as coproducts from the production of ethylene.

Texmark sells hydrocarbon grade DCPD to manufacturers of resins that are used in adhesives and inks. Texmark sells polyester grade DCPD to companies that use it as a raw material in the manufacture of polyester resin utilized in making fiberglass boats, bathroom vanities, shower stalls, bathtubs, automobile parts, and similar products.

DCPD is sold by Texmark in drums, tank trucks, railcars, ships, isocontainers and barges.

What is DCPD?

• DCPD is a hydrocarbon, a molecule consisting of Hydrogen and Carbon atoms.

• DCPD is used to make synthetic polymers, like polyesters. Polymer comes from the Greek meaning "many parts" and polymers are made up of many molecules linked together.

• Penta (as in pentagon or five sided) refers to the unique shape and formation of the molecule. The molecule is made up of three intertwined pentagons made up of 10 Carbon atoms and 12 Hydrogen atoms. (C10 H12)

• DCPD is used in the manufacturing process of a number of familiar items like:

  • fiberglass boats
  • bathroom vanities
  • shower stalls, bathtubs
  • automobile parts
  • adhesives and inks
  • certain kinds of polyester products
  • flame retardants
  • pesticides
    
• The major source of DCPD is the petrochemical industry via "cracking" procedures. The main objective of cracking is to produce ethylene, but a host of other chemicals are produced as byproducts. Texmark purchases streams containing DCPD and then further refines and purifies the DCPD for its clients' needs.