VISIOMER® - Methacrylate monomers for UPR and VE matrices

Evonik’s methacrylate monomers are widely used in polymer composites as reactive diluents, crosslinkers, and raw materials for polymer synthesis. Basic methacrylates such as VISIOMER® MMA are widely utilized as co-monomers with styrene in unsaturated polyesters resins (UPR) for enhanced weather resistance of gelcoats and laminate resins. VISIOMER® GMAA is used in the synthesis of vinylester (VE) resin backbones and also as a co-monomer with acrylonitrile in the production of the carbon fiber precursor, polyacrylonitrile (PAN).

The usage of styrene as a reactive diluent for UPR and VE resins has recently come under increased environmental and regulatory scrutiny. Evonik provides a wide variety of low volatility and low odor monomers for the partial or full replacement of styrene. Crosslinkers such as VISIOMER® 1,4-BDDMA can be used to improve the mechanical properties of styrene based systems. Alternatively, these type crosslinkers can be used in conjunction with other methacrylate monomers, such as VISIOMER® HPMA 98, to create low odor styrene free resins. The required blending of monomers to replace styrene allows for optimization of specific desired properties like flexural strength or UV resistance.