Functional Monomers

Isobutyl Acrylate (i-BA)

Isobutyl Acrylate (i-BA), identified by CAS number 106-63-8, is a high-performance monofunctional monomer belonging to the acrylate ester family. It is characterized as a clear, colorless liquid with a distinctive sharp odor. As a versatile building block in polymer chemistry, i-BA is widely utilized to synthesize a variety of homopolymers and copolymers, where it imparts essential properties such as internal plasticization and low-temperature flexibility. Due to its low glass transition temperature (Tg) of approximately -61°C, it is a preferred choice for formulators seeking to balance hardness and elasticity in final polymer films. In the global chemical market, Isobutyl Acrylate plays a critical role as a reactive diluent and a structural component in the production of high-solids coatings, adhesives, and sealants. Its ability to undergo radical polymerization makes it indispensable in radical-initiated processes, ensuring robust performance in architectural and industrial applications where durability and environmental resistance are paramount requirements for modern materials.

Attributes

Key Features and Benefits

Isobutyl Acrylate offers exceptional purity and performance consistency for high-end industrial applications. Key benefits include:
Superior Flexibility: Provides excellent internal plasticization, lowering the glass transition temperature of copolymers.
Weatherability: Enhances resistance to UV radiation and environmental degradation in exterior coatings.
Adhesion: Promotes strong bonding across diverse substrates, including metals and plastics.
Water Resistance: Imparts hydrophobicity to polymer films, reducing moisture sensitivity.
High Reactivity: Facilitates efficient polymerization cycles in batch and continuous processes.
Stability: Supplied with high-quality polymerization inhibitors to ensure safe storage and extended shelf life under recommended conditions.

Specifications

Technical Highlights

Physical Form: Clear, colorless liquid with a sharp, characteristic ester odor.
Chemical Formula: C7H12O2.
Molecular Weight: 128.17 g/mol.
Boiling Point: Approximately 132 degrees Celsius at 760 mmHg.
Density: 0.89 g/cm3 at 20 degrees Celsius.
Solubility: Insoluble in water; highly miscible with most organic solvents including alcohols and ethers.
Flash Point: Approximately 30 degrees Celsius, classifying it as a flammable liquid.
Handling: Requires storage in cool, ventilated areas away from heat and direct sunlight. It is typically stabilized with Hydroquinone Monomethyl Ether (MEHQ) to prevent premature polymerization. Proper PPE is mandatory during industrial handling to avoid skin and eye irritation.

Download Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

Practical industry uses

Applications

Industrial Coatings: Extensively used in automotive OEM and refinish coatings for improved gloss and durability.
Architectural Paints: Incorporated into exterior emulsion paints to provide crack resistance and weatherability.
Adhesives and Sealants: A primary component in pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) for tapes and labels, offering excellent tack.
Textile Finishes: Used in the production of binders and finishing agents to enhance fabric feel and water repellency.
Plastics and Resins: Serves as a comonomer in the production of acrylic resins and synthetic rubbers.
UV/EB Curing: Acts as a reactive diluent in ultraviolet and electron-beam curable ink and coating formulations.