Functional Monomers

n-Butyl Methacrylate (n-BMA)

n-Butyl Methacrylate (n-BMA) is a versatile, high-performance monomer belonging to the methacrylate ester family. Characterized as a clear, colorless liquid with a distinctive odor, it serves as a fundamental building block in the synthesis of a wide range of acrylic resins, emulsions, and solution polymers. In the global chemical market, n-BMA is highly valued for its ability to impart a balanced profile of flexibility and durability to finished materials. Unlike its shorter-chain counterparts, n-butyl methacrylate offers a lower glass transition temperature, providing inherent internal plasticization that enhances impact resistance without the need for additional additives. Its chemical structure facilitates excellent weatherability and UV stability, making it an essential component for products exposed to harsh environmental conditions. As a reactive intermediate, n-BMA is widely utilized across the coatings, adhesives, and textile industries, where its predictable polymerization kinetics and compatibility with various co-monomers ensure high-quality, consistent performance in demanding industrial applications.

Attributes

Key Features and Benefits

High purity levels, typically exceeding 99.5%, minimize side reactions and ensure reliable polymerization.
The low glass transition temperature provides inherent flexibility, improving the crack resistance of coatings.
Excellent UV stability and weatherability protect end-products from yellowing and degradation over time.
Its hydrophobic nature imparts superior water and moisture resistance to polymers.
High reactivity allows for seamless copolymerization with other acrylates, vinyl acetate, or styrene.
Low APHA color ratings ensure optical clarity in transparent applications.
Standard stabilization with MEHQ provides excellent shelf-life and prevents premature polymerization during transport and storage, maintaining consistent material integrity.

Specifications

Technical Highlights

Physical state: Clear, colorless liquid.
Boiling point: 163 degrees Celsius.
Flash point: 49 degrees Celsius (closed cup), classified as a flammable liquid.
Solubility: Insoluble in water but miscible with most organic solvents including alcohols and ethers.
Density: 0.894 g/cm3 at 20 degrees Celsius.
Molecular weight: 142.20 g/mol. Handling requires strict adherence to safety protocols, including the use of nitrile gloves and goggles to prevent irritation. Store in a cool, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and oxidizing agents. The material is typically inhibited with hydroquinone monomethyl ether (MEHQ) to ensure stability during long-term storage.

Download Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

Practical industry uses

Applications

Surface Coatings: Essential in automotive, architectural, and marine paints for enhanced durability.
Adhesives: Used in pressure-sensitive and structural adhesives for improved bonding strength.
Textiles: Utilized in fabric finishes and binders to provide water repellency and soft hand-feel.
Plastics: Acts as a modifier in acrylic sheets and PVC to increase impact resistance.
Printing Inks: Component in UV-curable and solvent-based ink formulations for better substrate adhesion.
Dental Materials: Serves as an intermediate in the production of high-quality dental resins.
Paper Industry: Applied in paper coatings to improve surface smoothness.
Laboratory Research: Used as a monomer for developing specialized specialty polymers and resins.