High-performance Acrylic Monomer: 3,3,5-Trimethylcyclohexyl Acrylate (TMCHA)

Acrylic monomers play a crucial role in the synthesis of various high-performance polymers used in coatings, adhesives, inks, and more. Among these, 3,3,5-Trimethylcyclohexyl Acrylate (TMCHA) stands out for its unique structural features that impart specific and desirable properties to the resulting materials. This article aims to provide a concise overview of TMCHA, its key performance characteristics, and representative applicationAcrylic monomers play a crucial role in the synthesis of various high-performance polymers used in coatings, adhesives, inks, and more. Among these, 3,3,5-Trimethylcyclohexyl Acrylate (TMCHA) stands out for its unique structural features that impart specific and desirable properties to the resulting materials. This article aims to provide a concise overview of TMCHA, its key performance characteristics, and representative applications.

1. Basic Information of TMCHA

Chemical Name:3,3,5-Trimethyl Cyclohexyl Acrylate

CAS Number: 86178-38-3
Molecular Formula: C12H20O2
Physical Properties: Colorless liquid, insoluble in water, soluble in organic solvents, with a relatively high boiling point (the specific value may be adjusted according to process conditions), good stability at room temperature, but needs to be protected from light for preservation to prevent polymerization caused by ultraviolet rays.
Core Positioning: Special acrylic ester monomer, possessing both high reactivity and environmental protection characteristics, is a key raw material for polymer modification.

2. Core Performance Characteristics

TMCHA offers a compelling combination of properties that make it a valuable building block for various applications. Some of its core performance characteristics include:

• Low Odor and Low Shrinkage: Compared to some other acrylate monomers, TMCHA exhibits relatively low odor, which is beneficial in application environments. Furthermore, polymers derived from TMCHA often demonstrate low shrinkage during curing, contributing to dimensional stability and reduced stress in the final product.
• Enhanced Hardness and Toughness Balance: The bulky trimethylcyclohexyl group contributes to the hardness of the resulting polymer. However, unlike some other rigid monomers, TMCHA can also impart a degree of flexibility and toughness, leading to a good balance of mechanical properties.
• Excellent Weatherability and Hydrolysis Resistance: The cyclic structure of TMCHA provides good resistance to degradation from UV radiation and moisture. This makes polymers containing TMCHA suitable for outdoor applications requiring long-term durability.
• Good Adhesion Properties: TMCHA can promote adhesion to various substrates, including plastics and metals, making it useful in adhesive and coating formulations.
• Low Viscosity and Good Dilution Ability: As a monomer, TMCHA generally exhibits low viscosity, which can improve the processability of formulations and act as a diluent for higher viscosity components.
• High Glass Transition Temperature (Tg): The presence of the cyclic group typically leads to a higher Tg compared to linear aliphatic acrylates. This contributes to the heat resistance and hardness of the final polymer film. Depending on the specific formulation and other comonomers used, the Tg can be tailored for specific application requirements.

It's important to note that the specific performance characteristics of a polymer containing TMCHA will also depend on the other monomers, oligomers, and additives used in the formulation.

3. Case Analysis of Applications

The unique properties of TMCHA make it suitable for a variety of high-performance applications. Here are a few representative examples:

• UV/EB Curable Coatings for Plastics: TMCHA is frequently used as a key component in UV and electron beam (EB) curable coatings for plastic substrates. Its low odor, low shrinkage, good adhesion, and balance of hardness and toughness are highly desirable for applications like automotive interior parts, electronic device housings, and plastic films. The excellent weatherability also makes it suitable for exterior plastic components.
• High-Performance Adhesives: In adhesive formulations, TMCHA can contribute to strong adhesion to various substrates, along with good thermal stability and durability. It can be used in UV-curable adhesives for bonding plastics, glass, and metals in applications ranging from electronics assembly to structural bonding.
• UV/EB Curable Inks: TMCHA's low viscosity and good pigment wetting properties make it a valuable monomer in UV/EB curable inks for various printing applications, including screen printing and inkjet printing. The resulting inks often exhibit good scratch resistance, adhesion to different substrates, and vibrant color due to the monomer's compatibility with pigments.
• 3D Printing:TMCHA’s fast curing under visible light (405–450 nm wavelengths) enables high-resolution 3D printing.  ideal for medical prototypes and optical components.

In conclusion, 3,3,5-Trimethylcyclohexyl Acrylate (TMCHA) is a high-performance acrylic monomer offering a unique combination of properties that make it a valuable component in a wide range of advanced material applications. Its low odor, low shrinkage, balanced mechanical properties, and excellent durability position it as a key building block for demanding applications in coatings, adhesives, and inks.

Interested in learning more about how Easmer TMCHA can benefit your specific application? Contact us today for technical support and sample information!

In conclusion, 3,3,5-Trimethylcyclohexyl Acrylate (TMCHA) is a high-performance acrylic monomer offering a unique combination of properties that make it a valuable component in a wide range of advanced material applications. Its low odor, low shrinkage, balanced mechanical properties, and excellent durability position it as a key building block for demanding applications in coatings, adhesives, and inks.

Interested in learning more about how Easmer TMCHA can benefit your specific application? Contact us today for technical support and sample information!