In the diverse landscape of organic chemistry, certain compounds emerge as indispensable building blocks due to their unique properties and wide-ranging applications. Isobornyl Acrylate (IBOA), designated by CAS number 5888-33-5, is one such critical chemical intermediate. This article aims to provide a detailed look at its properties, explore its significant industrial uses, and guide potential buyers on how to procure this versatile monomer effectively.

Understanding the Properties of Isobornyl Acrylate

Isobornyl Acrylate is a monofunctional acrylic monomer. Its chemical structure, featuring a bicyclic terpene-derived alcohol esterified with acrylic acid, imbues it with a distinct set of characteristics:

  • Appearance: It is typically described as a colorless transparent liquid, making it easy to handle and integrate into various liquid formulations without affecting visual clarity.
  • Molecular Formula: C13H20O2
  • Molecular Weight: Approximately 208.30 g/mol
  • Key Physical Properties: It possesses a relatively low melting point (<-35°C), a boiling point of around 119-121 °C at 15 mmHg, and a flash point of approximately 97 °C (closed cup). Its density is close to 0.986 g/cm³.
  • Reactivity: As an acrylate, it readily undergoes free-radical polymerization, making it suitable for UV/EB curing and other polymerization processes.
  • Structural Benefits: The rigid bicyclic ring structure contributes to increased glass transition temperature (Tg) in polymers, leading to enhanced hardness, improved heat resistance, and reduced shrinkage during polymerization. The mono-functionality minimizes cross-linking, allowing for controlled polymerization and better film flexibility.

Industrial Applications of Isobornyl Acrylate

The unique blend of properties offered by Isobornyl Acrylate makes it a sought-after chemical in numerous industries:

  1. Coatings: It is widely used in automotive coatings, industrial coatings, and wood finishes to improve hardness, scratch resistance, gloss retention, and chemical resistance.
  2. Adhesives and Sealants: IBOA enhances the tack, peel strength, and shear resistance of pressure-sensitive adhesives, as well as the durability and flexibility of industrial sealants.
  3. UV/EB Curable Inks: In the printing industry, it functions as a reactive diluent, reducing viscosity and promoting rapid curing for screen printing, inkjet, and other specialized inks.
  4. Plastic Modification: It can be used as a modifier for polymers like PVC and acrylics to improve impact resistance and processability.
  5. Textile Finishes: In some applications, it's used to impart properties like wrinkle resistance to fabrics.

Purchasing Isobornyl Acrylate (5888-33-5): A Buyer's Guide

For industrial consumers, securing a reliable supply of high-quality Isobornyl Acrylate is crucial for product consistency and performance. When looking to buy Isobornyl Acrylate:

  • Identify Reputable Manufacturers: Partnering with established chemical manufacturers, particularly those with a strong presence in regions like China, can offer competitive pricing and a dependable supply chain.
  • Request Technical Data Sheets (TDS) and Safety Data Sheets (SDS): Ensure the product meets your specific purity and safety requirements.
  • Obtain Price Quotations: Contact multiple Isobornyl Acrylate suppliers to compare pricing for bulk orders.
  • Inquire About Customization: Some suppliers may offer specific grades or formulations tailored to particular applications.

By understanding the properties and applications of Isobornyl Acrylate and working with a trusted chemical supplier, businesses can effectively leverage this versatile monomer to enhance their product offerings.