An acrylate polymer (also known as acrylic or polyacrylate) is any of a group of polymers prepared from acrylate monomers. These plastics are noted for their transparency, resistance to breakage, and elasticity.

Structure of a polyacrylate polymer

Acrylate polymer is commonly used in cosmetics, such as nail polish, as an adhesive.[1]

History edit

The first synthesis of acrylic polymer was reported by G. W. A. Kahlbaum in 1880.[2]

Acrylic elastomers edit

Acrylic elastomer is a general term for a type of synthetic rubber whose primary component is acrylic acid alkylester (ethyl or butyl ester).[3] Acrylic elastomer possesses characteristics of heat and oil resistance, with the ability to withstand temperatures of 170–180 °C. It is used primarily for producing oil seals and packaging related to automobiles.

Acrylic elastomer can generally be characterized as one of two types. "Old" types include ACM (copolymer of acrylic acid ester and 2-chloroethyl vinyl ether) containing chlorine and ANM (copolymer of acrylic acid ester and acrylonitrile) without chloride. "New" types do not contain chlorine and are less prone to mold-related staining. Other than the slightly better water resistance of ANM there are no physical differences between the two types.

The material is less resistant in terms of cold weather with a saturation point of −15 °C for old types and −28 °C to −30 °C for new types. In terms of vulcanization, the standard method for the old type is amine vulcanization. To minimize permanent deformation, the old type requires curing for 24 hours at a temperature of 150 °C. On the other hand, for the new type, the press curing time and follow-up vulcanization time are significantly reduced by combining metal soap and sulfur. It has no special characteristics. The rebound resilience and abrasion resistance of the new type are poor, and even its electrical characteristics are considerably poor compared with acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber and butyl rubber.

Uses edit

Related polymers edit

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ Erich Penzel (2000). "Polyacrylates". Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. Weinheim: Wiley-VCH. pp. a21_157. doi:10.1002/14356007.a21_157. ISBN 978-3-527-30673-2.
  2. ^ Handbook of sealant technology. Boca Raton: CRC Press. 2009. ISBN 978-1420008630.
  3. ^ "Acrylic elastomer composition (Patent 6015860)". PatentStorm. Archived from the original on 2011-06-12. Retrieved 2010-05-26.