[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, butyl methacrylate prices.

PROPERTIES OF BUTYL METHACRYLATE

Butyl methacrylate (Butyl Methacrylate, BMA) is an important organic compound, the chemical formula is C8H14O2. It is a colorless transparent liquid with low viscosity and volatility, with a slight fruity aroma. Its melting point is about -64°C and its boiling point is around 162°C. Butyl methacrylate has low solubility in water, but it is miscible with a variety of organic solvents such as alcohols, ethers, esters and aromatic hydrocarbons. Due to the double bond contained in its molecular structure, butyl methacrylate is highly reactive and prone to free radical polymerization.

Butyl methacrylate use

Butyl methacrylate is widely used in chemical industry. It is mainly used in the production of copolymers and polymers, which are widely used in coatings, adhesives, textile treatment agents, plasticizers and surfactants. In the coating industry, the application of butyl methacrylate can improve the weather resistance, corrosion resistance and adhesion of coatings. In the field of adhesives, its copolymers are used to make high-performance adhesives with good adhesion and durability. Butyl methacrylate is also used to produce modified resins, which have excellent flexibility and abrasion resistance, and are suitable for the coating and treatment of textiles.

Upstream raw materials

The production of butyl methacrylate mainly involves two key upstream feedstocks: methacrylic acid (Methacrylic Acid, MAA) and butanol (Butanol). Methacrylic acid is usually produced by the hydrocyanation, carbonylation and hydrolysis of acrylonitrile, while butanol is mainly produced by the hydrogenation of ethylene. The two raw materials are esterified under appropriate conditions to produce butyl methacrylate. In the reaction process, it is often necessary to use a catalyst such as sulfuric acid or solid acid catalyst to improve the reaction rate and product yield.

Downstream Products

The downstream products of butyl methacrylate are mainly polymers and copolymers, which are used in many industries. For example, BMA is copolymerized with other monomers such as styrene, methyl Methacrylate (MMA) and acrylic acid (Acrylic Acid, AA), and the resulting copolymers are widely used in the manufacture of transparent plastics, glass fiber reinforced plastics and thermoplastic elastomers. BMA can also be used to produce special coating resins, which are used in automotive coatings, architectural coatings and industrial coatings, with excellent weather resistance and decorative effects.

storage method

Butyl methacrylate has strong chemical reactivity, so its storage and handling require special attention. BMA should be stored in a cool, ventilated, dry environment, avoid direct sunlight and high temperature environment, in order to prevent the occurrence of self polymerization reaction. Storage containers shall be stainless steel or aluminum containers with good sealing performance, and iron containers shall be avoided to prevent corrosion. In order to prevent fire or explosion caused by static electricity, the storage area should be well protected against static electricity and equipped with appropriate fire fighting equipment. During transportation, the relevant regulations on the transportation of dangerous goods should be strictly observed to ensure that the packaging is firm, the identification is clear, and severe vibration and collision are avoided.

Safety and environmental impact

Butyl methacrylate has certain toxicity and irritation, and has irritating effect on skin, eyes and respiratory tract. In the process of production and use, appropriate protective measures should be taken, such as wearing protective gloves, protective glasses and protective masks, to avoid direct contact and inhalation. BMA is toxic to aquatic organisms and may pollute the water environment. Therefore, in the process of wastewater treatment, effective treatment measures should be taken to ensure that the wastewater is discharged up to the standard and reduce the impact on the environment.

Market Prospects

The market demand for butyl methacrylate is affected by a variety of factors, including the development of downstream industries, changes in environmental regulations, and the development and application of new materials. With the growth of the global economy and the increasing demand for high-performance materials, the market demand for BMA is expected to continue to grow. Increasingly stringent environmental regulations are also driving the development of low volatile organic compound (VOC) coatings and adhesives, which opens up new markets for BMA applications. Market competition is also increasingly fierce, production enterprises need to continuously improve the level of technology, reduce production costs, enhance the competitiveness of products.

Conclusion

As an important chemical raw material, butyl methacrylate has broad application prospects. Its unique chemical properties make it widely used in the fields of coatings, adhesives and textile treatment agents. With the progress of technology and the change of market demand, the application field of BMA is expected to be further expanded. Enterprises need to pay special attention to safety and environmental protection issues in the production and use process to achieve sustainable development. On the whole, butyl methacrylate will continue to play an important role in the future chemical industry.