Monomers

Acrylic acid is the starting point for all acrylic chemistry. It is used in many applications – such as thickeners, flocculants, wetting agents and superabsorbents – and is an important raw material for manufacturing many propionic acid derivatives or specialty monomers used across a wide range of chemical processes and technologies. There are two reaction centres in the acrylic acid molecule: the double bond and the carboxylic group. The molecule readily undergoes polymerization on the unsaturated group and reacts on the carboxylic group, forming esters, amides etc.

Because of its low homopolymer glass transition temperature, BA improves low temperature properties, flexibility, softness and hardness in copolymers. It is the acrylate ester used in the production of most acrylic, vinyl acrylic and styrene acrylic copolymers. BA offers superior photostability and is a preferred monomer for achieving weatherability and sunlight resistance.

2-EHA is used to produce aqueous polymer and copolymers dispersions. These display excellent hydrophobic properties – for example, in exterior coatings or for staining with hydrophilic substances, in which they show the least amount of dirt pick-up. 2-EHA contributes to material flexibility and performance, water resistance, good weathering and UV resistance. Its performance characteristics impart varying degrees of tackiness, durability, hardness and glass transition temperatures.

MA’s primary application is for manufacturing homopolymers and copolymers. MA is an important raw material and a starting material for many chemical syntheses. It is often used as a co-monomer to balance and vary material properties to the required level of hardness and flexibility.

EA plays a role in polymer manufacturing and as a raw material for syntheses. Polymers containing EA exhibit mechanical strength, flexibility, durability, elasticity, weather resistance and moisture resistance. EA can also be copolymerized, for instance with acrylic acid, esters and acrylamide, methacrylic acid, methacrylates, acrylonitrile, styrene, maleic acid esters, vinyl acetate, vinyl chloride, butadiene and unsaturated polyesters.