Acrylates, High-Purity Solvents

Isobornyl Methacrylate (IBOMA)

Isobornyl Methacrylate (IBOMA) is a monofunctional monomer characterized by its bulky, bicyclic structure, derived from camphene. As a high-purity ester of methacrylic acid, it exhibits a high glass transition temperature, typically ranging between 110 and 150 degrees Celsius, depending on the polymerization conditions. This cycloaliphatic monomer is liquid at room temperature and possesses low viscosity, low volatility, and a characteristic mild odor. Its unique molecular architecture provides exceptional weather resistance, thermal stability, and chemical resistance to the resulting polymers. IBOMA is widely utilized in radiation-curable coatings, adhesives, and specialty resins where high hardness, flexibility balance, and low shrinkage are paramount. Its hydrophobic nature contributes to moisture resistance and excellent adhesion to various substrates, including plastics and metals. Furthermore, IBOMA functions as a reactive diluent, effectively reducing system viscosity while enhancing the mechanical properties and optical clarity of the final cured products, making it indispensable in high-performance industrial formulations and engineering.

Attributes

Key Features and Benefits

High glass transition temperature promotes superior hardness and scratch resistance in cured polymer films.
Exceptional weatherability and UV stability make it ideal for exterior coatings and high-durability surface finishes.
Low volumetric shrinkage during polymerization ensures dimensional stability and excellent adhesion to difficult substrates.
Hydrophobic bicyclic structure provides outstanding water and chemical resistance for protective industrial coatings and sealants.
Excellent solvency and low viscosity enable its use as an efficient reactive diluent in high-solids formulations.

Specifications

Technical Highlights

Chemical Formula and Molecular Weight: C14H22O2 with a molecular weight of approximately 222.32 grams per mole.
Purity and Inhibitors: Typically supplied at 98 percent minimum purity, inhibited with MEHQ to prevent premature polymerization.
Physical State: Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid with a density of roughly 0.985 grams per cubic centimeter.
Thermal Properties: Boiling point is approximately 127 degrees Celsius at 15 mmHg, providing low volatility during processing.
Solubility and Refractive Index: Insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents, featuring a refractive index of 1.475.

Download Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

Practical industry uses

Applications

UV/EB Curable Coatings: Used as a reactive diluent to improve hardness, gloss, and weather resistance in wood and metal finishes.
High-Performance Adhesives: Enhances bond strength and thermal stability in structural acrylic and pressure-sensitive adhesive formulations.
Optical Materials: Utilized in the production of high-clarity plastics, lenses, and optical fibers due to its refractive properties.
Specialty Resins: Incorporated into acrylic resins to modulate glass transition temperatures and improve overall chemical resistance.
3D Printing Resins: Acts as a primary component in stereolithography resins to reduce shrinkage and improve part resolution.