Poly(n-butyl methacrylate), also known as PBMA or PnBMA, is a soft acrylic polymer used in coatings, adhesives, sealants, polymer blends, and specialty formulation work. With a listed glass transition temperature of 20°C, it is useful where flexibility, film formation, and methacrylate polymer compatibility are important.
Synonyms / related names: PBMA; PnBMA; poly(butyl methacrylate); n-butyl methacrylate polymer.
This polymer is supplied as a fine powder and is commonly selected for research and formulation workflows involving flexible acrylic films, pressure-sensitive adhesive systems, impact modification, and polymer blend development.
Researchers, formulators, and industrial users may use poly(n-butyl methacrylate) in coating systems, adhesive and sealant formulations, thermoplastic modification, and specialty materials research where final performance depends on molecular weight, solvent compatibility, additive package, and processing conditions.
Key Properties
- Acrylic methacrylate polymer
- CAS Number: 9003-63-8
- Product Number: 02061
- Synonym: PBMA
- Linear Formula: [-CH2C(CH3)[CO2(CH2)3CH3]-]n
- Molecular Weight: ~180,000
- Appearance: Fine powder
- Glass Transition Temperature (Tg): 20°C
- Refractive Index: 1.483
- Density: 1.06
- Soluble in acetone, chloroform, IPA, MEK, THF, and toluene
Applications
Flexible Coatings
Poly(n-butyl methacrylate) may be used in flexible acrylic coating formulations where film formation, polymer compatibility, and mechanical flexibility are important performance considerations.
Adhesives & Sealants
PBMA is useful in adhesive and sealant formulation work, including systems where acrylic polymers are evaluated for tack, flexibility, and bond performance.
Polymer Blends
This polymer may be used in polymer blend development to modify flexibility, impact behavior, or processing characteristics in compatible thermoplastic systems.
Specialty Materials Research
Poly(n-butyl methacrylate) is used in laboratory and formulation research involving methacrylate polymers, solvent-cast films, coatings, and specialty polymer systems.
Solubility & Compatibility Considerations
- Soluble in acetone, chloroform, IPA, MEK, THF, and toluene
- Compatibility depends on solvent system, resin package, additives, and processing conditions
- Film properties depend on concentration, drying conditions, substrate, and formulation design
- Evaluate compatibility with binders, plasticizers, pigments, fillers, and other additives before scale-up
Final coating, adhesive, or blend performance should be verified under the user’s intended formulation and processing conditions.
Preparation Tips
- Add gradually with appropriate mixing to support uniform wetting or dispersion
- Select a compatible solvent system based on the intended formulation
- Use clean equipment to minimize contamination during polymer processing
- Run small-scale trials before production or process transfer
Handling & Storage
- Store at room temperature
- Exercise normal care during handling
- Use good ventilation and standard laboratory or industrial safety practices
- Wear protective gloves and safety glasses when appropriate
- Refer to the Safety Data Sheet before handling
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FAQ
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1. What is Poly(n-butyl methacrylate) used for?
Poly(n-butyl methacrylate) is used in flexible coatings, adhesives, sealants, polymer blends, solvent-cast films, and specialty acrylic polymer formulation work.
2. What is the molecular weight of this product?
The listed molecular weight is approximately 180,000.
3. What is the glass transition temperature of Poly(n-butyl methacrylate)?
The listed glass transition temperature (Tg) is 20°C.
4. What solvents dissolve Poly(n-butyl methacrylate)?
The product page lists solubility in acetone, chloroform, IPA, MEK, THF, and toluene.
5. How should Poly(n-butyl methacrylate) be stored?
Store Poly(n-butyl methacrylate) at room temperature. Review the Safety Data Sheet for complete storage, handling, and personal protective equipment guidance.
Safety & Documentation
Poly(n-butyl methacrylate) should be handled using normal precautions and standard laboratory or industrial safety practices. The current SDS lists the product as not classified under GHS US classification. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and product specification for complete handling, storage, hazard, and technical information.
