Isobutyl Methacrylate (IBMA) – CAS No. 97-86-9
Isobutyl Methacrylate (IBMA), chemically designated as CH₂=C(CH₃)COOCH₂CH(CH₃)₂ with CAS Number 97-86-9, is a versatile alkyl methacrylate ester monomer pivotal in the production of high-performance polymers, coatings, and adhesives. This colorless, low-viscosity liquid exhibits excellent solubility in organic solvents and limited water miscibility (2 g/L at 20°C), with a refractive index of 1.420 at 20°C, enabling seamless copolymerization with acrylates and other vinyl monomers. With a purity ≥99%, IBMA imparts flexibility, UV resistance, and weatherability to cured resins due to its branched alkyl chain, which raises the glass transition temperature while maintaining low-temperature pliability. Stabilized with hydroquinone monomethyl ether (HQME) at 25-100 ppm, it prevents premature polymerization during storage and transport, ensuring reliability in industrial-scale synthesis.
Key benefits of Isobutyl Methacrylate include:
- Enhanced Flexibility: Branched structure provides superior elongation in polymers without sacrificing hardness.
- UV and Weather Resistance: Ideal for exterior coatings, reducing yellowing and chalking over time.
- Low Volatility: Minimal odor and evaporation during application for safer, cleaner processing.
- Broad Solubility: Compatible with styrene, vinyl acetate, and acrylics for tailored copolymer properties.
- Regulatory Safety: Compliant with REACH and TSCA, suitable for industrial and select personal care uses.
IBMA is manufactured via esterification of methacrylic acid with isobutanol, followed by distillation, yielding a high-purity monomer that meets ASTM and ISO specifications for polymer feedstocks.
Technical Specifications-Isobutyl Methacrylate (IBMA)
| Property | Value/Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | C₈H₁₄O₂ |
| CAS Number | 97-86-9 |
| Molecular Weight | 142.20 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless clear liquid |
| Purity | ≥99% |
| Density | 0.886 g/mL at 25°C |
| Refractive Index | n₂₀/D 1.420 |
| Boiling Point | 155°C |
| Flash Point | 45°C (closed cup) |
| Vapor Pressure | 3.5 mmHg at 20°C |
| Solubility in Water | 2 g/L at 20°C |
| Storage | Cool, dark place; inert atmosphere |
These specifications make IBMA a robust choice for demanding polymerization reactions and formulation stability.
Applications-Isobutyl Methacrylate (IBMA)
Coatings and Paints-Isobutyl Methacrylate (IBMA)
- Architectural and Automotive Finishes: Copolymerized at 10-30% to formulate acrylic latexes with excellent adhesion to metals and substrates, providing gloss retention and scratch resistance.
- Industrial Protective Coatings: Enhances weatherability in marine and bridge paints, extending service life by 20-30% through UV stabilization.
Adhesives and Sealants
- Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives: Incorporated into acrylic tapes and labels for balanced tack and peel strength, ideal for packaging and automotive assembly.
- Structural Adhesives: Improves flexibility in anaerobic and UV-curable systems, reducing brittleness in bonded joints under thermal cycling.
Plastics and Composites
- Impact-Modified Polymers: Used in copolymer blends for rigid PVC and ABS, boosting low-temperature ductility without compromising clarity.
- Dental and Medical Resins: Reactive diluent in photopolymerizable composites for fillings and prosthetics, ensuring low shrinkage and biocompatibility.
Personal Care and Other Uses
- Nail Enhancement Products: Monomer in UV-cured gels for artificial nails, providing hardness and adhesion when skin contact is avoided.
- Textile and Leather Treatments: Coatings for fabrics and leathers to impart water repellency and durability.
Why Choose Our IBMA?
Our Isobutyl Methacrylate is distilled to ultra-high purity with inhibitor levels precisely controlled for extended shelf life (>12 months) and minimal color formation (<10 APHA). Polymer producers achieve 15% higher conversion yields and improved molecular weight distribution. Available in industrial and specialty grades, packaged in 190kg drums, 1000kg IBCs, or bulk tankers, with options for HQME or MEHQ stabilization and full compliance with global transport regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)-Isobutyl Methacrylate (IBMA)
What is Isobutyl Methacrylate (IBMA)?
Isobutyl Methacrylate (IBMA) is an ester monomer with the formula C₈H₁₄O₂ and CAS 97-86-9, used in copolymer synthesis for coatings and adhesives. It’s a colorless liquid that enhances flexibility and UV resistance in polymers.
How is Isobutyl Methacrylate (IBMA) used in acrylic coatings?
IBMA is copolymerized at 15-25% with methyl methacrylate via emulsion or solution polymerization, yielding resins with Tg around 50°C for durable, weather-resistant paints applied by spray or roller.
Is IBMA safe for industrial handling?
Yes, IBMA is non-carcinogenic and has low acute toxicity (LD50 >5000 mg/kg oral), but handle with ventilation to avoid irritation; it’s stabilized to prevent exothermic polymerization.
What is the shelf life of IBMA?
Under cool, dark storage (<25°C) in inert atmosphere, IBMA remains stable for 12-18 months, with periodic inhibitor checks recommended to maintain reactivity.
Can IBMA be copolymerized with styrene?
IBMA copolymerizes effectively with styrene at 20-40% ratios using AIBN initiators, forming impact-resistant styrenics; azeotrope distillation aids in purification.
Does IBMA affect the viscosity of formulations?
IBMA’s low viscosity (0.7 cP at 20°C) acts as a diluent, reducing overall mix viscosity by 10-20% in resin blends while maintaining film-forming properties.
What packaging options are available for IBMA?
We offer 180-190kg steel drums, 900-1000kg composite IBCs, and isotank bulk shipments, all lined for chemical resistance and UN-approved for hazardous transport.
For polymerization parameters, safety protocols, or custom stabilization, our technical team provides dedicated support.
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