| product_name | Butyl acrylate |
| CAS_number | 141-32-2 |
| formula | C7H12O2 |
| molar_mass | 128.17 g/mol |
| density | 0.89 g/cm³ |
| boiling_point | 145-150 °C |
| melting_point | -64 °C |
| flash_point | 37 °C |
| refractive_index | 1.4190 |
| vapor_pressure | 3.3 mmHg at 20 °C |
| solubility_in_water | 0.9 g/L |
| viscosity | 0.72 cP at 25 °C |
| appearance | Colorless liquid |
| odor | Acrid |
What is Butyl Acrylate and what are its primary applications?
Butyl acrylate is an
organic compound and a type of acrylate, which is essentially an ester derived from acrylic
acid. Its chemical structure consists of a butyl group attached to the acrylate backbone,
making it a versatile monomer with numerous industrial uses. It is a clear, colorless liquid
with a distinctive fruity odor, which is quite volatile. Due to its reactivity and
functional properties, butyl acrylate is widely employed in the production of various
polymers and copolymers. These polymers find extensive application in diverse industrial and
commercial sectors.
A primary application of butyl acrylate is in the production of
polymers and copolymers, which are essential in the manufacture of adhesives, sealants, and
paints. These products benefit from the compound's ability to provide flexibility,
resistance to weather, and good adhesive properties. For instance, when used in adhesives,
butyl acrylate contributes to strong bonding capabilities and durability, making it suitable
for use in both household and industrial applications.
Additionally, butyl acrylate
is instrumental in the coatings industry. It is used to manufacture high-performance paints
and coatings due to its excellent resistance to water, chemicals, and weathering conditions.
These coatings are commonly applied on a range of surfaces, from metals to construction
materials, providing protective and aesthetically pleasing layers that prolong the lifespan
of the surfaces they cover. Moreover, butyl acrylate-based coatings have superior wetting
properties and can adhere well to different substrates, enhancing their
usability.
Textiles also benefit from the use of butyl acrylate, particularly in
fabric finishing treatments. The polymers derived from butyl acrylate are used to provide
water-repellant and stain-resistant properties to fabrics. These treatments improve the
maintenance of textiles by reducing water absorption and facilitating the easy removal of
stains, thus enhancing the usability and longevity of the material.
Butyl acrylate is
significant in the production of certain rubbers, imparting properties that enhance the
elasticity and resilience of the final product. These rubber materials are utilized in
automotive, construction, and consumer goods where flexibility and durability are
prioritized. The inclusion of butyl acrylate in the rubber formulation leads to products
that can better withstand environmental stresses and mechanical pressures.
How does
Butyl Acrylate contribute to sustainability and environmental safety?
Butyl acrylate,
like many chemical compounds utilized in industrial applications, poses certain challenges
and opportunities in the context of sustainability and environmental safety. While it is
crucial in various manufacturing processes, its production, application, and disposal must
be managed carefully to mitigate negative environmental impacts. Manufacturers and users of
butyl acrylate have increasingly focused on implementing practices that align with
sustainability principles and enhance environmental safety.
Firstly, the production
process of butyl acrylate is being optimized to reduce energy consumption and minimize waste
generation. Manufacturers are investing in cleaner production technologies that improve the
efficiency of the chemical synthesis process, thereby reducing emissions of volatile organic
compounds (VOCs) and other pollutants associated with its production. In addition, efforts
to source raw materials sustainably and develop greener catalytic processes are gaining
attention. These strategies aim to decrease the carbon footprint of butyl acrylate
production and foster a more sustainable chemical industry.
In terms of application,
butyl acrylate contributes to the development of sustainable products that benefit both
consumers and the environment. When used in paints and coatings, for example, its properties
contribute to durable, long-lasting finishes that reduce the need for frequent
reapplication. This longevity reduces the overall consumption of resources over time,
promoting a more sustainable lifecycle for coated products. Similarly, in adhesives, the use
of butyl acrylate leads to durable bonding solutions that extend the lifespan of products,
reducing waste and the rate of disposal in landfills.
Furthermore, water-based
formulations incorporating butyl acrylate are being developed to replace solvent-based
systems, which are more harmful to the environment. Water-based systems emit fewer VOCs,
which helps improve indoor air quality and reduces the impact on outdoor air pollution. This
transition is supported by a broader industry movement towards environmentally friendly
products, facilitated by regulatory measures that restrict VOC emissions.
Recycling
and reusing materials that contain butyl acrylate is another area where sustainability can
be enhanced. Encouraging circular economy practices where products are designed with
end-of-life considerations in mind can lead to increased recycling rates for materials using
butyl acrylate. Innovations in recycling technologies allow the recovery and reuse of
polymers, reducing the demand for virgin materials and minimizing waste.
Are there
any health and safety considerations when handling Butyl Acrylate?
Handling butyl
acrylate requires adhering to health and safety protocols to prevent potential risks to
human health and the environment. As with any chemical substance, understanding its
properties, potential health effects, and the correct safety measures is paramount for
anyone involved in its handling, transportation, or use in industrial
settings.
Firstly, butyl acrylate is a volatile liquid with a pungent odor, and it
can easily evaporate into the air. Exposure to high concentrations, particularly in poorly
ventilated areas, can lead to respiratory irritation. Individuals working with butyl
acrylate should ensure appropriate ventilation is in place or use respiratory protective
equipment to mitigate inhalation risks. Chronic inhalation exposure may result in more
serious respiratory issues, necessitating strict adherence to occupational safety
regulations and exposure limits.
Skin contact with butyl acrylate can cause
irritation and dermatitis. It is essential for workers to wear suitable personal protective
equipment, including gloves and protective clothing, to prevent skin exposure. Eye
protection, such as safety goggles or face shields, is also necessary as the compound can
cause eye irritation upon contact. Immediate washing with water is advised in the event of
skin or eye contact to remove any traces of the chemical and minimize irritation or
injury.
Butyl acrylate is flammable and poses a fire risk, especially when exposed to
heat or open flames. Proper storage conditions are vital, including keeping the chemical in
well-sealed containers away from sources of ignition. Facilities handling butyl acrylate
require fire suppression systems and protocols for managing spills and leaks. Regular safety
drills and the availability of fire extinguishers specifically designed for handling
chemical fires are necessary components of workplace safety.
From an environmental
perspective, preventing the release of butyl acrylate into the environment during
transportation and use is critical. Spills, if not managed correctly, can lead to soil and
water contamination. In such events, immediate containment and cleanup procedures must be
implemented to mitigate environmental damage. Organizations handling butyl acrylate are
encouraged to develop spill response plans and provide training to personnel on how to
effectively manage accidental releases.
To further ensure safety, detailed Safety
Data Sheets (SDS) for butyl acrylate should be readily accessible to all personnel involved
in its handling. These documents provide essential information on the potential hazards,
safe handling practices, and emergency response procedures. Regular safety training and
refreshers based on the guidelines set out in the SDS help to maintain a culture of safety
and preparedness among workers.
What are the advantages of using Butyl Acrylate in
adhesive products?
Butyl acrylate offers numerous advantages, which make it a preferred
choice in the formulation of adhesive products. Its chemical structure and inherent
properties facilitate strong, durable bonds, making adhesives based on butyl acrylate highly
effective across various applications, from industrial to commercial use. Understanding
these benefits is key for industries seeking reliable adhesive solutions.
One
significant advantage of using butyl acrylate in adhesives is its ability to form flexible
bonds that accommodate movement and stress. This flexibility is crucial for applications
involving different substrates or materials subject to dimensional changes due to
temperature variations or mechanical stress. For example, in the construction and automotive
industries, adhesives must maintain integrity despite expansion or contraction in the
materials they are bonding. Butyl acrylate-based adhesives are well-suited for such
conditions, providing reliable joints that absorb vibrations and stress without
failure.
The adhesive properties of butyl acrylate also contribute to excellent
adhesion on a wide range of substrates, from metals and plastics to glass and rubber. This
versatility allows manufacturers to produce adhesives suitable for diverse materials and
applications, reducing the need to formulate different adhesives for each substrate type.
Consequently, users benefit from simplified inventory management and cost savings while
achieving consistent bonding performance.
Another advantage is the resistance to
environmental factors that butyl acrylate provides to adhesives. Adhesives formulated with
this compound exhibit strong resistance to water, chemicals, and weathering, enhancing the
longevity and durability of the bonded materials. This resistance is critical in outdoor
applications or environments with high humidity, where adhesives must withstand exposure to
rain, UV radiation, and temperature fluctuations. Butyl acrylate ensures that bonds remain
secure and effective over extended periods, even in harsh conditions.
Butyl acrylate
also aids in improving the speed and efficiency of adhesive manufacturing processes. Its
reactivity allows for polymerization processes that are both fast and easily controllable,
streamlining production and reducing costs. Manufacturers can fine-tune the properties of
the resulting adhesive by adjusting the polymerization conditions and the composition of the
formulation, leading to products that meet specific performance requirements.
From an
end-user perspective, adhesives based on butyl acrylate often exhibit lower VOC emissions
compared to those using solvent-based systems. This characteristic aligns with increasing
regulatory and consumer demand for environmentally friendly products. Lower VOC emissions
contribute to improved indoor air quality and compliance with regulations aimed at reducing
air pollution, thus benefiting both workers and consumers exposed to these adhesives during
application and use.
How does Butyl Acrylate enhance the performance of paints and
coatings?
Butyl acrylate plays a critical role in enhancing the performance of paints
and coatings due to its unique chemical attributes. Its utility is not only limited to
improving the aesthetic appeal of surfaces but extends to functional benefits that increase
the longevity and resilience of the coatings applied on various substrates. By understanding
how butyl acrylate contributes to paint and coating formulations, industries can leverage
these benefits to produce superior products.
Firstly, butyl acrylate's ability to
form copolymers is central to its role in the paint and coatings industry. When
copolymerized with other monomers, it contributes to forming a polymer matrix that offers
excellent film-forming properties. This capability results in coatings that dry to form
smooth, even films on surfaces, enhancing their visual appeal and providing a consistent
finish. Such films are also capable of covering imperfections in the substrate, improving
the overall appearance of the coated surface.
The flexibility and toughness imparted
by butyl acrylate to coatings are significant performance drivers, particularly in
environments exposed to temperature fluctuations and mechanical stress. Coatings that
incorporate butyl acrylate can absorb and dissipate stress without cracking or peeling, thus
maintaining their protective and decorative functions over time. This flexibility is
particularly advantageous for exterior applications where expansion and contraction due to
temperature changes are common, ensuring that surfaces remain protected from environmental
elements.
In terms of durability, butyl acrylate enhances the resistance of paints
and coatings to water, chemicals, and UV radiation. These resistance properties are
essential for maintaining the integrity and appearance of coated surfaces exposed to harsh
conditions. For instance, in marine or industrial environments, surfaces coated with butyl
acrylate-based products withstand exposure to moisture, salt spray, and industrial
chemicals, significantly extending their service life. Additionally, UV resistance prevents
discoloration and degradation due to sunlight, keeping colors vibrant and surfaces
intact.
Another crucial aspect is the adhesion properties imparted by butyl acrylate
to coatings. Coatings formulated with this compound exhibit excellent adhesion to a variety
of substrates, including metal, wood, masonry, and plastics. This adhesion strength is vital
for preventing delamination and ensuring that coatings remain securely attached to surfaces,
providing consistent protection and appearance. The robust adhesion provided by butyl
acrylate enhances the versatility of coatings, making them suitable for numerous
applications across different industries.
Moreover, butyl acrylate contributes to
reducing the environmental impact of paints and coatings by facilitating the formulation of
waterborne systems. Water-based paints and coatings emit lower levels of VOCs compared to
solvent-based variants, addressing environmental concerns and meeting regulatory
requirements. These environmentally friendly products help improve air quality, reduce
greenhouse gas emissions, and promote safer conditions for both application personnel and
end-users.
