What is Isobornyl Acrylate?

Isobornyl Acrylate stands out among raw materials for its unique balance of chemical stability and acrylic reactivity. This compound, identified by the HS Code 2916.1400, finds regular use in surface coatings, adhesives, graphic arts, and polymer networks. Structure-wise, Isobornyl Acrylate belongs to the acrylate ester family and is derived from isoborneol, giving it a rigid bicyclic backbone fused to an acrylate group. This fusion brings together the stiffness from its bornyl skeleton and the double bond’s vulnerability to polymerization from the acrylate, opening doors to countless applications across industries.

Physical Forms and Properties

Looking at Isobornyl Acrylate’s physical profile, it often presents as a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid at room temperature. Sometimes you may see it in semi-solid, viscous states, depending on storage conditions, but the liquid offers the advantage for manufacturers working with bulk materials or crafting inks, paints, or optical resins. Its density hovers around 1.01 g/cm³ at 20°C, which lends it handling advantages compared to heavier acrylics. Its refractive index typically sits near 1.47. Melting point stays quite low (around -55°C), so you rarely see it as crystals or flakes under usual conditions, but with colder storage, it may solidify. Despite its robust chemical makeup, the faint odor and lack of color make it comfortable to use and easy to blend with other resin modifiers and monomers. In terms of consistency, pearls, flakes, and powders are less common; liquid dominates commerce due to processing convenience.

Molecular Structure and Formula

At the molecular level, Isobornyl Acrylate has the formula C₁₃H₂₀O₂ and a molar mass of 208.3 g/mol. Its structure fuses isobornane—a highly rigid bicyclic ring system—with an acrylate group capable of engaging in free radical polymerization. That ring structure doesn’t just bring mechanical rigidity, it helps any final polymer or coating maintain high glass transition temperatures and improved weather resistance. From personal experience working alongside coatings chemists, users appreciate how the molecular rigidity translates into greater scratch resistance, better optical clarity, and more durable protective films compared to softer monomer alternatives. The single acrylate end group remains reactive, giving this monomer plenty of flexibility when co-polymerizing with other acrylates or methacrylates, without ever introducing brittleness seen in many hard monomers.

Chemical Properties and Reactivity

Isobornyl Acrylate’s chemistry leans heavily on its acrylate bond. Upon exposure to light or peroxide initiators, it polymerizes rapidly, forming crosslinked, hard networks. These characteristics translate to coatings that cure fast in UV or electron beam processes. It mixes well with other acrylates, benefitting from low volatility (vapor pressure about 0.03 mmHg at 20°C) and slower evaporation than methyl or ethyl acrylates. Strong hydrogen bonding from its isobornyl branch further reduces its tendency to migrate or shrink in final cured films. In adhesives, this leads to stronger cohesion and less odor migration than many alternatives, providing a real safety benefit in packaging materials. Its moderate polarity means, in solution, it plays nice with common organic solvents, but rarely dissolves in water. Chemists appreciate its stability during storage, as it resists hydrolysis and yellowing, even in less controlled warehouse conditions.

Material Specifications and Uses

Typical specifications call for high-purity liquid with an acid value below 0.5 mg KOH/g and water content less than 0.05%. Industry standards require careful packaging in steel drums or plastic containers to guard against light, air, or moisture. Safe handling asks for proper PPE—gloves, eye protection, and adequate ventilation—since exposure to vapors or direct skin contact leads to irritation for some users. In practice, manufacturers employ Isobornyl Acrylate in automotive topcoats, electronics encapsulants, and as an intermediate in specialty photopolymer formulations. In printing, its low shrinkage and high clarity boost image quality and color fastness, especially under harsh lighting.

Health, Safety, and Environmental Concerns

Safety always sits near the top of client questions. Isobornyl Acrylate does have some hazardous properties—contact can cause skin and eye irritation, and inhalation of vapor brings mild to moderate discomfort for some users. Chronic exposure in poorly ventilated workplaces increases the risk of sensitization over time. Its hazard classification includes “harmful if swallowed” and “skin sensitizer, category 1”. Unlike aromatic acrylates, it delivers less acute toxicity but still demands respect: always cap drums after use, install local exhaust ventilation, and train staff in emergency response. Fire risk exists due to low flash point (around 90°C), so no open flames or smoking near raw material storage. Spill cleanup involves absorbent materials and waste disposal compliant with local regulations. Environmentally, its moderate aquatic toxicity suggests careful wastewater management—avoid direct discharge into streams or drains. From a global regulatory standpoint, REACH registration in Europe and TSCA compliance in the U.S. set benchmarks for importers. Sustainable producers push for freeze/thaw stable grades and work to cut process waste by reusing off-spec polymer crumbs in filler-heavy end products.

Problems Faced and Solutions for More Responsible Use

One persistent issue comes from handling large volumes without good airflow. Chronic inhalation, even at low levels, brings health complaints among workers—headaches, skin rash, and sometimes respiratory irritation. Simple fixes like enclosing pumping systems, investing in good exhaust hoods, or choosing low-emission variants protect long-term health and keep production lines running smoothly. Some plants have cut accidents by switching to pre-weighed, sealed containers, so workers spend less time measuring out the volatile liquid. Machinery upgrades, such as closed-system blending or automated cleaning, keep hands and faces out of reach. For those wanting less hazardous alternatives, some suppliers now offer water-dispersible grades with much lower vapor pressure, though with trade-offs in drying speed or final mechanical toughness. Investing in employee safety reporting, quick-response eyewash stations, and annual health reviews won’t eliminate every risk, but they build confidence among staff and set a higher industry standard.

Why Isobornyl Acrylate Matters in Industry

The reason behind Isobornyl Acrylate’s popularity connects directly to product longevity and performance. Unlike softer acrylate monomers, this one gives coatings and adhesives a perfect blend of flexibility and high hardness. Customers in electronics, automotive, and graphic arts keep requesting it for optical clarity, weather resistance, and minimal yellowing during sun exposure. Those properties allow engineers to push boundaries—clear smartphone screens that resist fingerprints and scratches, flexible circuit boards that don’t crack with use, or outdoor signs that keep their color years down the line. In the field, I’ve seen how an upgrade to Isobornyl Acrylate translates to fewer warranty claims and more loyal buyers. Balanced against the health risks and need for careful process controls, the value delivered to finished products creates a strong case for responsible sourcing and management.