For businesses that rely on high-performance polymers, the selection and procurement of key monomers like 2-Ethylhexyl Methacrylate (CAS 688-84-6) are critical decisions. As a key ingredient in many industrial formulations, understanding the quality parameters and sourcing strategies for this colorless, transparent liquid is essential for achieving consistent product performance and manufacturing efficiency.

Understanding the Technical Specifications of 2-EHMA

When you buy 2-Ethylhexyl Methacrylate, it's imperative to scrutinize its technical specifications to ensure it meets your specific application requirements. The most common quality standard cited is a purity of ≥ 99.5% (GC). Other crucial parameters include:

  • Acid Value: Typically less than or equal to 0.01%, indicating minimal residual acidity, which is important for preventing unwanted side reactions during polymerization.
  • Moisture Content: Usually specified as ≤ 0.03%, as excess water can interfere with certain polymerization processes and affect product stability.
  • Chromaticity: Often measured in APHA or Platinum-Cobalt (PT-CO) scale, a low chromaticity (e.g., ≤ 10) signifies high clarity and minimal color impurities.
  • Polymerization Inhibitor: Most commercial grades are stabilized with inhibitors like MEHQ (Monomethyl Ether of Hydroquinone) at concentrations around 20 ± 5 ppm. This is vital for preventing premature polymerization during storage and transportation.

The physical properties of 2-EHMA, such as its density (0.890 g/cm³ at 20°C), refractive index (1.439 at 20°C), and boiling point (+218°C), are also important for formulators working with its specific rheological and physical behavior.

Key Industrial Applications

The demand for 2-EHMA stems from its effectiveness in various industrial sectors:

  1. Plexiglass and Acrylics: As a comonomer, it improves the plasticity and impact resistance of acrylic polymers, making them more versatile for applications requiring flexibility.
  2. Coatings: It enhances the flexibility, adhesion, and durability of latex paints, lacquers, and industrial coatings. It is a valuable component for coatings that need to withstand environmental stresses and temperature fluctuations.
  3. Adhesives and Sealants: 2-EHMA contributes to the tack, peel strength, and flexibility of adhesives, making it suitable for pressure-sensitive applications and sealants requiring good elongation properties.
  4. Textile and Paper Additives: It is used in textile finishing to improve fabric handle and durability, and in papermaking to enhance strength and coating properties.

Selecting a Reliable 2-Ethylhexyl Methacrylate Supplier

When sourcing 2-Ethylhexyl Methacrylate, particularly when looking for a 2-Ethylhexyl Methacrylate manufacturer in China, due diligence is essential. A reliable supplier should:

  • Provide comprehensive technical documentation (TDS, COA, MSDS).
  • Offer competitive 2-Ethylhexyl Methacrylate manufacturer price for bulk quantities.
  • Maintain consistent product quality and adherence to specifications.
  • Ensure safe and compliant packaging (e.g., 180kg drums) and logistics.
  • Have responsive customer service and technical support.

By partnering with trusted manufacturers and suppliers, businesses can ensure they obtain 2-EHMA that meets stringent quality requirements, enabling the successful development and production of high-performance polymer-based products.