Glycidyl Methacrylate Manufacturers in 2024

What Is Glycidyl Methacrylate?

Glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), known scientifically as "2,3-epoxypropyl methacrylate," is a versatile organic compound characterized by a clear colorless liquid form and a pungent odor. With properties including a melting point of -41.5°C and a boiling point of 189°C, GMA is recognized for its significant reactivity and utility in various industrial applications.

Uses of Glycidyl Methacrylate

Primarily utilized in the polymer industry, GMA is an effective monomer that copolymerizes with a wide range of other monomers, such as styrene, vinyl chloride, and acrylic acid, to create polymers with unique properties. These copolymers find applications in coating resins for acrylic powder paints, solvent-based paints, epoxy resin adhesives, vinyl chloride stabilizers, ion exchange resins, and printing inks. The presence of glycidyl (epoxy) groups allows for cross-linking reactions, enhancing the functionality of the resulting polymers.

Properties of Glycidyl Methacrylate

GMA exhibits dual functionality due to its polymerizable double bond and ring-opening glycidyl group. This unique structure enables it to be integrated into acrylic polymers, adding reactive capabilities for further chemical bonding, particularly with hydroxy groups (-OH) of other compounds, thus becoming a part of reactive acrylic polymers.

Structure of Glycidyl Methacrylate

The molecular structure of GMA combines the polymerizable double bond of methacrylic acid with the cyclic ether (3-membered ring) of glycidyl alcohol, making it capable of undergoing radical polymerization and ring-opening reactions. This dual functionality contributes to its wide range of applications in creating advanced polymer materials.

Other Information on Glycidyl Methacrylate

Glycidyl Groups of Glycidyl Methacrylate

The glycidyl group in GMA is akin to an epoxy group but contains an additional carbon atom. This structural distinction allows the glycidyl group to engage in ring-opening reactions, further broadening the scope of GMA's applications in polymer chemistry.