Acrylates

What are Acrylates?

Acrylates result from the esterification of acrylic acids. They are commonly known as propenoates. Vinyl groups are present in acrylates, where two carbon atoms are double bonded to each other. Acrylates are the found in polymer plastics that form the acrylate polymers. Common acrylates are methyl acrylate and ethyl acrylate.

How are they produced?

Acrylates are produced when acrylic acid reacts with an alcohol to produce water as a by-product. For methyl acrylate, acrylic acid reacts with methanol. For ethyl acrylate, ethanol is used instead of methanol.

How are they stored?

Acrylates should be stored in a temperature controlled environment. Checking of storage room temperature should be done once a day. Drums should be stored indoors. Direct sunlight and direct contact with heat sources should be avoided.

Acrylates must never be stored under inert gases to prevent polymerization but should be under air. In order that the stabilizer will function effectively, oxygen should be present. Storage temperature for the stabilizer should not exceed 35ºC.

If proper storing is followed, one year storage ability is possible. Overstorage can possibly occur, so the principle of “first-in-first-out” should be strictly adhered with.

It is recommended that dissolved oxygen content be replenished for extended storage periods over four weeks. Stainless steel or aluminum storage tanks and pipes should be used. Acrylates do not easily corrode carbon steel but there is a possibility of contamination if corrosion happens.

Strict adherence to regulations for storing flammable liquids must be followed which include but are not limited to vented tanks with flame arresters and explosion-proof electrical equipment. Pumps, storage tanks, and pipes must be earthed. Storage tanks, pumps and pipes must be earthed.

How are the distributed?

Monomethyl Ether of Hydroquinion (MEHQ) inhibitor are used to ship acrylic monomers to allow safe storage and handling. Dissolved oxygen is required for the inhibitor to function properly. Drums should not be filled 100 percent but only from 95% to 97% capacity, allowing sufficient airspace for proper oxygenation of the inhibitor.

What are they used for?

Acrylates serve as reactive building block in producing coatings and inks, adhesives, sealants, textiles, elastomers, and plastics.

Methyl acrylate, a type of acrylate, is used for construction of adhesives, serve as chemical intermediates, textiles and adhesives coatings, production of leather finishes like nubuck and suede, manufacture of different kinds of plastics, manufacture of textiles, and is used for water treatment

Ethyl acrylate has a crucial role in chemical syntheses because it easily combines with other organic and inorganic compounds in addition reactions.