Introduction to Lauryl Methacrylate: A Vital Monomer in Polymer

Introduction to Dodecyl Methacrylate

Dodecyl Methacrylate is a colorless and transparent monomer that is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. It easily undergoes polymerization under light. It has excellent hydrophobicity and is easy to polymerize, making it flexible. However, direct contact with the eyes, respiratory system, and skin should be avoided as it can irritate.

Figure 1 Characteristics of  Dodecyl Methacrylate

Production method

Production method of Dodecyl Methaclylate Putting the main ingredients of dodecanol and methacrylic acid into an esterification reaction vessel, adding a solvent (toluene or xylene), adding a catalyst (phosphoric acid or p-toluenesulfonic acid), adding a inhibitor A (copper chloride), stirring the reaction, and obtaining a reaction material. The esterification reaction vessel is evacuated, the pressure in the esterification reaction vessel is controlled to be -0.04~-0.08Mpa, and the temperature in the esterification reaction vessel is increased until reflux liquid flows out. The temperature is kept until no reflux liquid flows out or until the acid value in the reaction solution is detected to be 30~50mgKOH/g. Then the temperature is lowered to room temperature. The reaction material is transferred to a water washing container, an alkali solution is added, the pH value of the reaction material is controlled to be 7~8, and the reaction material is allowed to stand. After the reaction material is layered, the wastewater in the lower layer is discharged. The reaction material without sewage is transferred to a distillation container, the inhibitor B (2-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol) is added, the distillation container is evacuated, and toluene is removed by distillation to obtain the product Dodecyl Methacrylate.

Major Components of Lauryl Methacrylate

Lauryl methacrylate is primarily composed of two key functional groups: the methacrylate group and the lauryl group (dodecyl chain). The methacrylate group is responsible for its polymerizable nature, while the lauryl group imparts hydrophobicity and flexibility to the resulting polymer.

The presence of the methacrylate group allows LAURYL METHACRYLATE to undergo polymerization reactions with a wide range of monomers, such as styrene, acrylates, and other methacrylates. This versatility makes it an essential component in copolymer formulations, where it can enhance the final properties of the polymer, including flexibility, durability, and resistance to environmental factors.

Minor impurities may also be present in commercial-grade LAURYL METHACRYLATE, typically in the form of other methacrylate esters or residual monomers. These impurities are generally controlled within specified limits to ensure that the monomer performs consistently in its intended applications.

Application of Dodecyl Methacrylate

Dodecyl Methaclylate can be used as a monomer.

Preparation of polymer co-stabilizers through free radical copolymerization reaction.

Preparation of superhydrophobic cotton fabric through a graft polymerization reaction.

Synthesize oil-absorbing prepolymers.

It can also be used to prepare organic polymer capillary electrochromatography monolithic columns. Dodecyl Methacrylate can form a copolymer with dibutyl itaconate through lotion polymerization. The copolymer formed by these two monomers is specifically designed for the preparation of sustainable pressure-sensitive adhesives. It is also used to prepare asymmetric superhydrophobic cotton fabrics through fog polymerization. The Dodecyl Methacrylate mixed in forms asymmetric superhydrophobic cotton fabric through fog polymerization reaction, which is suitable for self-cleaning fabrics, waterproof coatings, and other related fields.

First aid methods

In case of accidental inhalation of Dodecyl Methacrylate, the victim should be promptly transferred to fresh air. If breathing stops, artificial respiration should be performed immediately. If breathing is difficult, please administer oxygen.

If Dodecyl Methacrylate is accidentally applied to the eyes or skin, it should be rinsed with tap water for at least 15 minutes on time; If necessary, open the eyelids. Wash the skin with soap and water.

After accidentally ingesting an excessive amount of Dodecyl Methacrylate, if the victim is conscious, ask them to drink milk or water and induce vomiting. If the victim loses consciousness or experiences convulsions, do nothing but keep them warm. In short, caution must be exercised to avoid causing greater losses and casualties.

Reference

[1] Floudas G, Placke P, Stepanek P, et al. Dynamics of the" Strong" Polymer of n-Lauryl Methacrylate below and above the Glass Transition[J]. Macromolecules, 1995, 28(20): 6799-6807.

[2] Xu W, Zhu X, Cheng Z, et al. Atom transfer radical polymerization of lauryl methacrylate[J]. Journal of applied polymer science, 2003, 90(4): 1117-1125.

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