Isobornyl methacrylate, 90%

Product Introduction

Isobornyl Methacrylate is a sterically hindered methacrylate monomer derived from isoborneol and methacrylic acid.

The molecule contains a bulky bicyclic isobornyl group attached to a methacrylate polymerizable unit. During polymerization, the methacrylate double bond participates in free-radical polymerization, while the rigid cyclic structure remains within the polymer backbone, contributing to increased hardness, dimensional stability, and hydrophobic properties.

Compared with conventional low-molecular-weight methacrylate monomers, IBOMA provides enhanced rigidity and durability, making it an important monomer for high-performance polymer formulations.

Mechanism / Principle

Isobornyl Methacrylate polymerizes through the methacrylate vinyl group via free-radical polymerization.

Under UV irradiation, thermal initiation, or chemical initiation conditions, radicals attack the carbon–carbon double bond of the methacrylate group, forming polymer chains.

The bulky isobornyl group influences polymer chain mobility and molecular packing, which can improve:

• Glass transition temperature (Tg)
• Surface hardness
• Chemical resistance
• Dimensional stability
• Moisture resistance

This makes IBOMA useful for designing high-performance acrylic polymers and resin systems.

Key Research Applications

1. UV-Curable Coatings

Isobornyl Methacrylate is widely used in UV-curable resin research due to its rapid polymerization ability and contribution to coating hardness.

It can be combined with photoinitiators and other acrylic monomers to develop protective coatings with improved durability, scratch resistance, and chemical resistance.

2. Optical Materials and Optical Coatings

IBOMA is investigated in optical polymer systems because its rigid bicyclic structure can contribute to dimensional stability, transparency, and controlled refractive properties.

Applications include optical coatings, optical adhesives, and transparent polymer materials.

3. Adhesives and Sealants

The hydrophobic and rigid characteristics of IBOMA make it suitable for acrylic adhesive formulations.

Researchers study its influence on adhesion strength, environmental resistance, flexibility, and long-term stability.

4. Polymer Modification

IBOMA is used as a functional monomer for modifying acrylic polymers and copolymers.

By incorporating IBOMA into polymer chains, researchers can adjust polymer hardness, Tg, water resistance, and mechanical properties.

5. Advanced Acrylic Resins

IBOMA is an important building block for high-performance acrylic resin systems used in coatings, inks, and specialty polymer formulations.

Its bulky structure helps improve polymer performance while maintaining methacrylate-based processing compatibility.

6. Composite Materials

IBOMA can be incorporated into polymer composite systems to improve matrix properties, including rigidity, environmental stability, and resistance to moisture.

7. Dental Materials Research

Although not as commonly used as Bis-GMA, HEMA, TEGDMA, or 10-MDP, IBOMA can be investigated as a hydrophobic methacrylate monomer in polymer-based dental material research.

Its rigid structure and hydrophobic characteristics may contribute to studies on resin formulation, water resistance, polymer network design, and dental composite matrix modification.

Advantages

• Rigid molecular structure: The bicyclic isobornyl group improves polymer rigidity and hardness.
• Low shrinkage characteristics: Suitable for applications requiring dimensional stability.
• Hydrophobic performance: Helps improve moisture resistance of polymer materials.
• High compatibility: Can copolymerize with various acrylic and methacrylate monomers.
• Improved thermal properties: Contributes to higher Tg and enhanced polymer stability.
• Broad resin applications: Suitable for UV coatings, adhesives, optical polymers, and specialty acrylic materials.
• Commercial stabilized grades: Usually supplied with MEHQ inhibitor for storage stability.

Storage & Handling

• Store in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area.
• Recommended storage temperature: below 15 °C.
• Protect from heat, direct sunlight, and strong oxidizing conditions.
• Keep container tightly closed.
• Commercial products are generally stabilized with MEHQ to reduce premature polymerization.
• Avoid unnecessary exposure to polymerization initiators.
• Wear appropriate protective gloves, clothing, and eye protection during handling.

Research Areas

This product can support research, formulation development, and material innovation across the following specific industries:

• UV-Curable Materials – UV coatings, radiation-curable resins, protective coatings, and light-curing polymer systems.
• Polymer Materials – Acrylic polymers, methacrylate copolymers, functional resin systems, and polymer modification.
• Coatings Industry – High-hardness coatings, automotive coatings, industrial coatings, and protective surface coatings.
• Adhesives & Sealants – Acrylic adhesives, structural adhesives, and moisture-resistant bonding systems.
• Optical Materials – Optical polymers, transparent resins, optical adhesives, and functional coatings.
• Composite Materials – Polymer composites, reinforced resin systems, and hybrid materials.
• Dental Materials – Hydrophobic methacrylate resin systems, dental composite formulations, and polymer network research.

Q1. What is Isobornyl Methacrylate?
Isobornyl Methacrylate (IBOMA) is a rigid cyclic methacrylate monomer used in UV-curable materials, coatings, adhesives, and polymer research.

Q2. What are the main applications of IBOMA?
IBOMA is mainly used in UV-curable coatings, adhesives, optical materials, acrylic polymers, and specialty resin systems.

Q3. Why is IBOMA used in polymer materials?
Its bulky rigid structure can improve polymer hardness, thermal properties, dimensional stability, and moisture resistance.

Q4. Is IBOMA a monomer or polymer?
IBOMA is a methacrylate monomer that can polymerize into acrylic and methacrylate-based polymers.

Q5. Is IBOMA used in dental materials?
IBOMA can be investigated in dental polymer research as a hydrophobic methacrylate component, although common dental monomers include Bis-GMA, HEMA, TEGDMA, UDMA, and 10-MDP.

Q6. Why is MEHQ added to IBOMA?
MEHQ is added as a polymerization inhibitor to improve storage stability and prevent premature polymerization.

Q7. How should IBOMA be stored?
Store IBOMA in a cool, dark place below 15 °C and follow supplier SDS recommendations.