Exploring the Potential of Poly(tert-butyl acrylate) And Polyacrylates

What is Poly(tert-butyl acrylate)?

Poly(tert-butyl acrylate) is a polymer with the molecular formula (C7H12O2)n. It is a synthetic acrylic polymer derived from butyl acrylate monomer. Polymers are colorless. Its glass transition temperature is relatively low, about -43°C (20°C).

What is the Synthesis Process of Poly(tert-butyl acrylate)?

Poly(tert-butyl acrylate) was prepared with the use of lithium aluminum hydride as an initiator in bulk or in hexane solution. A typical polymerization charge consisted of 8.6 g tert-butyl acrylate, 0.06 g lithium aluminum bydride finely pulverized under n-hexane, and 120 ml. of dry n-hexane. Polymerization started 3-4 min. after addition of the catalyst and was essentially complete in 15 min. The mixture was evaporated to dryness after standing overnight at room temperature. Methanol was added (100 ml) to react with initiator residues, and the solution again was evaporated to dryness. The polymeric mass was extracted several times with hot acetone. Evaporation of the acetonesoluble fraction gave a polymer. The acetone-insoluble residue was dissolved in hot chloroform, and inorganic residue was removed by centrifugation or filtration. On removal of solvent, the residual polymer was recovered in 30-50% yield.

What are Other Polyacrylates?

Polyacrylate belongs to the family of vinyl polymers made from acrylic monomers. They are esters, salts, and conjugated bases of acrylic acid and its derivatives. Polyacrylate is an important polymer with rubber like, soft, and tough properties. They are renowned for their excellent impact toughness and resistance to cracking, transparency, elasticity, considerable heat and oil resistance.

• Polyacrylic Acid

Polyacrylic acid is the simplest acrylic polymer (C3H4O2)n. Polyacrylic acid polymers are typically produced from acrylic acid obtained from propylene (a byproduct of ethylene and gasoline production). Polyacrylic acid and related acrylic esters are considered unusual polymers because they are very easy to absorb water. They absorb water several times their own weight without difficulty. This means that even a small gram of polymer can absorb a cup of liquid, lock it in and firmly fix it. Therefore, it is useful in diapers, especially baby diapers. When acrylic acid reacts in the presence of alcohols, corresponding esters are formed. Polyacrylic acid and its related polyacrylates play an important role in the manufacture of plastics, diapers, adhesives, floor polishes, nail polish/polish, paints, coatings and various types of adhesives. With its film-forming properties, it can be used as a film-forming agent to obtain continuous films on nails, skin, or hair. These properties enable them to be used in a variety of applications, including eyeliner pens, liquid cosmetics, eye black, nail polish, sunscreen, lipstick and skin care products. They are also mainly used in coatings and paints, such as solvent based coatings, latex coatings, internal and external water-based coatings, as well as printing inks for applications that require rapid drying speed, such as automotive coatings and industrial coatings.

• Polymethyl Methacrylate

Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is synthesized by polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA). PMMA is a straight chain polymer with hydrophobicity, relatively excellent transparency, amorphous distribution at the molecular level, and glassy characteristics at room temperature, making it a sturdy, hard, and transparent plastic name in the organic glass industry. PMMA is a non-degradable polyacrylate, which is the most commonly used non-metallic implant material in orthopedic surgery and an important component in the manufacturing of dentures.

• Polyacrylamide

Polyacrylamide (PAM) is easily soluble in water, which is suitable for biomedical products, such as soft contact lenses. Another application of PAM gel includes soil conditioner to stabilize soil aggregates and flocculate suspended particles and furrow irrigation, while improving soil and water quality and water use efficiency.