Features:

- A low Tg (-45 °C) and low temperature flexibility

- Facilitates design of softness and tackiness in copolymers

- Excellent copolymerization characteristics

- Improves water resistance and weathering (suitable for external applications)

- A low order of toxicity

- Availability and commodity economics

BA is the acrylate ester used in the largest volumes in the production of all-acrylic, vinyl acrylic and styrene acrylic copolymers. Used as a “soft-monomer” to improve low temperature properties and toughness, BA offers price value and accounts for about 60 percent of the global acrylic ester monomer demand.

Major markets for BA include paint & coatings, such as architectural and automotive coatings, followed by the adhesives & sealants market. Other application areas include resins for inks, textile, paper & leather finishes, caulks and plastics & elastomers.

Another significant and growing segment for BA is in thermoplastic ethylene acrylate copolymers, with BA levels up to 35 % in copolymers. Formulators use EBA copolymers as an impact modifier and processing aid in thermoplastics where it improves properties. End use applications include packaging, multilayer films, and adhesives.