Glycidyl Methacrylate: A Bifunctional Monomer for Epoxy and Acrylic Resins
2023/5/19
Glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) is an organic compound that has the formula C7H10O3. It is a colorless liquid that has a faint odor and is slightly soluble in water. It is an ester of methacrylic acid and glycidol, containing both an epoxide and an acrylate group in its molecule. It is a bifunctional monomer that can be used to prepare epoxy and acrylic resins with various properties and applications.
GMA is obtained by the reaction of glycidol with acryloyl chloride in the presence of a base. It can also be synthesized from allyl alcohol and methacrylic acid in the presence of a catalyst.
GMA can be polymerized with other monomers, such as styrene, vinyl acetate, methyl methacrylate, and acrylic acid, to produce copolymers with different characteristics. GMA can also be used as a crosslinking agent or a modifier for other polymers, such as polyolefins, polyesters, and polyamides. Here are some of the uses and benefits of GMA and its polymers:
Uses and Benefits of GMA for Epoxy Resins
GMA can be used to prepare epoxy resins with high epoxy content and low viscosity. These resins can be cured with various curing agents, such as amines, anhydrides, phenols, and acids, to form thermosetting plastics with high strength, hardness, adhesion, chemical resistance, and thermal stability. These plastics can be used for various purposes, such as coatings, adhesives, composites, electronics, and aerospace.
GMA can also be used to modify epoxy resins with low epoxy content and high viscosity. These resins can be diluted with GMA to reduce their viscosity and improve their processability. They can also be modified with GMA to increase their flexibility, toughness, impact resistance, and weatherability. These modified resins can be used for applications that require good mechanical properties and durability.
Uses and Benefits of GMA for Acrylic Resins
GMA can be used to prepare acrylic resins with high glass transition temperature (Tg) and low shrinkage. These resins can be cured by UV light or heat to form thermoplastic or thermoset plastics with high transparency, gloss, scratch resistance, and dimensional stability. These plastics can be used for various purposes ,such as optical materials ,dental materials ,coatings ,and printing .
GMA can also be used to modify acrylic resins with low Tg and high shrinkage . These resins can be copolymerized with GMA to increase their Tg and reduce their shrinkage . They can also be modified with GMA to improve their adhesion ,compatibility ,and crosslinking density . These modified resins can be used for applications that require good performance and reliability .
Conclusion GMA is a versatile chemical compound that has various uses and benefits for epoxy and acrylic resins . It is a bifunctional monomer that can produce polymers with different characteristics and applications . GMA is widely available and affordable ,and can be used for various purposes . However ,it should be handled with care and under proper conditions ,as it may cause irritation or sensitization .