Ethyl Acrylate (EA)

What Is Ethyl Acrylate?

Ethyl Acrylate, abbreviated as EA, is a reactive acrylic ester monomer used to manufacture acrylic polymers and copolymers. It helps provide flexibility, adhesion, film formation and low-temperature performance in coatings, adhesives, sealants, textile binders and paper-treatment polymers.

AOZUN supplies stabilized industrial-grade Ethyl Acrylate with a typical purity of at least 99.5%. Commercial material contains a polymerization inhibitor, normally MEHQ, to improve stability during qualified storage and transportation.

Ethyl Acrylate is flammable and can polymerize exothermically if heated, contaminated or improperly stored. It should only be handled by trained industrial users in accordance with the current Safety Data Sheet.

Why Choose AOZUN as Your Ethyl Acrylate Supplier?

AOZUN supports international sourcing and bulk supply of Ethyl Acrylate for polymer, coatings, adhesives and textile applications.

Key supply features include:

• Typical Ethyl Acrylate purity of at least 99.5%

• Stabilized commercial material for industrial transportation

• Batch-specific Certificate of Analysis

• Technical Data Sheet and Safety Data Sheet support

• Drums, IBCs or bulk supply subject to route and regulatory requirements

• Export documentation and dangerous-goods shipping coordination

• Pre-purchase confirmation of purity, water, acidity and inhibitor requirements

• Sample availability subject to destination and project evaluation

Because inhibitor concentration can affect both storage stability and polymerization, customers should state their required MEHQ range before ordering.

Ethyl Acrylate Product Identification

Ethyl Acrylate Quality Specification

The following table describes the typical commercial grade available through AOZUN. The final sales specification and batch Certificate of Analysis govern each shipment.

For polymerization-sensitive processes, buyers should not evaluate Ethyl Acrylate by purity alone. Water, acidity, color and inhibitor concentration can all affect reaction control, product color and final polymer performance.

Typical Physical Properties of Ethyl Acrylate

These values are reference physical properties rather than guaranteed sales limits.

What Does Ethyl Acrylate Do in Polymer Formulations?

Ethyl Acrylate contains a reactive carbon–carbon double bond that allows it to polymerize or copolymerize through free-radical processes.

Depending on the comonomer ratio and polymerization method, EA can help provide:

• Flexibility

• Film formation

• Adhesion

• Impact resistance

• Low-temperature performance

• Surface durability

• Binder strength

• Controlled hardness

• Compatibility with waterborne or solvent-borne polymer systems

Its homopolymer has a relatively low glass-transition temperature. EA is therefore frequently used as a soft or flexibility-contributing monomer in copolymer formulations.

The final performance cannot be predicted from Ethyl Acrylate alone. Molecular weight, particle size, crosslinking, surfactants, initiators and other comonomers also influence the finished polymer.

What Is Ethyl Acrylate Used For?

Paints and Coatings

Ethyl Acrylate is used in acrylic and styrene-acrylic binders for industrial and architectural coatings. It can help improve film formation, adhesion and flexibility.

Potential applications include:

• Waterborne emulsion paints

• Industrial coatings

• Wood coatings

• Metal coatings

• Paper coatings

• Protective finishes

• Printing and overprint coatings

The EA ratio should be balanced with harder monomers to achieve the required hardness, blocking resistance, flexibility and minimum film-forming temperature.

Adhesives and Sealants

Ethyl Acrylate can be copolymerized into adhesive and sealant binders where flexibility and adhesion are required.

Applications may include:

• Pressure-sensitive adhesives

• Packaging adhesives

• Construction adhesives

• Laminating adhesives

• Label and tape adhesives

• Caulks and sealants

• Waterborne adhesive dispersions

Formulators should test tack, peel strength, shear strength, cohesion, aging and residual monomer.

Textile Finishing and Nonwoven Binders

EA-based copolymers are used as binders and finishing agents for textiles and nonwoven materials.

They may contribute:

• Fabric flexibility

• Fiber bonding

• Abrasion resistance

• Wash durability

• Pigment fixation

• Softer hand feel

• Improved coating adhesion

The formulation should be adjusted according to fabric type, curing conditions and required wash or dry-cleaning resistance.

Paper and Paperboard Coatings

Ethyl Acrylate may be used in polymer binders for coated paper, paperboard and specialty paper.

Possible functions include:

• Pigment binding

• Improved surface strength

• Flexibility

• Printability

• Water-resistance modification

• Adhesion to paper fibers

For food-packaging applications, the complete coating or adhesive system must meet the relevant residual monomer, migration and food-contact requirements.

Leather and Synthetic Leather Finishing

Acrylic copolymers containing EA may be used in leather coatings and finishing systems. They can help balance flexibility, adhesion, surface feel and resistance to cracking.

Construction Polymer Emulsions

Ethyl Acrylate may be incorporated into emulsions for:

• Cement modifiers

• Waterproofing coatings

• Repair mortars

• Flexible construction coatings

• Joint compounds

• Sealant binders

Compatibility with cement, fillers, alkaline materials and other formulation ingredients must be tested.

Plastics, Rubber and Polymer Modification

EA can be used as a comonomer or intermediate in selected polymer-modification systems. It may contribute flexibility, impact performance and adhesion when incorporated into a properly designed polymer.

Chemical Synthesis

Because Ethyl Acrylate contains an activated double bond and an ester group, it can be used as a reactive intermediate in addition reactions, copolymer production and specialty chemical synthesis.

Reaction design, inhibitor management and purification must be performed by qualified personnel.

Which Monomers Can Be Copolymerized with Ethyl Acrylate?

Ethyl Acrylate can be copolymerized with many vinyl and acrylic monomers, including:

• Acrylic acid

• Methacrylic acid

• Methyl acrylate

• Butyl acrylate

• 2-Ethylhexyl acrylate

• Methyl methacrylate

• Other methacrylate esters

• Styrene

• Vinyl acetate

• Acrylonitrile

• Selected vinyl chloride or vinylidene chloride systems

• Selected maleate esters

Comonomer compatibility does not establish a recommended formulation ratio. Reactivity ratios, polymerization temperature, initiator system, molecular-weight control and final performance requirements must be considered.

How Does Ethyl Acrylate Compare with Other Acrylic Monomers?

Ethyl Acrylate is not a universal one-to-one replacement for another acrylate. Changing the monomer alters polymerization kinetics, glass-transition temperature, water resistance, adhesion, hardness and residual monomer behavior.

Ethyl Acrylate or Butyl Acrylate: Which Should You Choose?

Ethyl Acrylate generally produces a less hydrophobic and somewhat harder polymer than Butyl Acrylate. Butyl Acrylate is commonly selected when greater softness, flexibility and water resistance are required.

EA may be preferred when the formulator needs:

• A balance between flexibility and cohesion

• Faster processing or lower boiling behavior

• Strong film formation

• Compatibility with a specific comonomer system

• A less hydrophobic acrylic component

BA may be preferred when the main requirement is:

• Lower polymer Tg

• Higher flexibility

• Greater hydrophobicity

• Higher tack in adhesive formulations

• Lower monomer volatility

The most reliable selection method is to compare pilot formulations using the intended comonomers and manufacturing process.

How Should Buyers Select an Ethyl Acrylate Grade?

Confirm the Purity

A typical industrial grade has a minimum purity of 99.5%. Higher purity alone does not guarantee better polymerization performance if water, acidity or inhibitor concentration is unsuitable.

Specify the MEHQ Level

MEHQ helps prevent premature polymerization during storage and transport. Too little inhibitor can reduce storage stability, while an excessive inhibitor level may affect polymerization initiation or induction time.

State the acceptable MEHQ range in the purchase specification.

Set Water and Acidity Limits

Water and acidity may affect emulsion stability, reaction pH, corrosion, polymerization control and final product quality.

Confirm Color Requirements

Low-color applications should specify a maximum APHA value in the contract rather than relying only on a “clear liquid” description.

Match Packaging to Consumption

Select drums, IBCs or bulk delivery according to consumption rate, storage equipment, local dangerous-goods requirements and the ability to control product temperature and inhibitor conditions.

Review the Current SDS

Physical-property data and hazard classifications may differ by test method, jurisdiction and supplied grade. Always use the SDS issued for the actual shipment.

Why Does Ethyl Acrylate Contain MEHQ?

Ethyl Acrylate can undergo rapid, heat-producing polymerization. Commercial material is therefore normally stabilized with monomethyl ether of hydroquinone, also called MEHQ.

MEHQ requires dissolved oxygen to work effectively. Removing too much oxygen from the monomer can reduce the protection provided by the inhibitor.

Important storage principles include:

• Store only stabilized Ethyl Acrylate

• Maintain the supplier-specified inhibitor level

• Maintain the oxygen conditions required by the inhibitor

• Do not fully nitrogen-blanket MEHQ-stabilized Ethyl Acrylate without an approved engineering design

• Protect the product from heat and direct sunlight

• Prevent contamination with polymerization initiators

• Use first-in, first-out inventory control

• Monitor temperature and product condition during bulk storage

Do not add, remove or adjust inhibitor without a validated procedure and qualified technical supervision.

Ethyl Acrylate Storage Requirements

Store Ethyl Acrylate in an approved, tightly closed and compatible container in a cool, shaded and well-ventilated area.

Unless the shipment SDS specifies a stricter limit, commercial stabilized acrylic esters are commonly stored below 35°C. Avoid prolonged storage and excessive temperature changes.

Keep the product away from:

• Heat and open flames

• Sparks and static discharge

• Direct sunlight and ultraviolet radiation

• Peroxides and free-radical initiators

• Strong oxidizing agents

• Strong alkalis

• Reactive acids

• Reducing agents

• Amines or other incompatible chemicals

• Any contamination that may initiate polymerization

A warm, swollen or distorted container may indicate a dangerous reaction. Do not open or move it without activating the site emergency procedure and obtaining specialist assistance.

Safe Handling and Transportation

Ethyl Acrylate is a flammable and polymerizable monomer. Handling should be limited to trained personnel using suitable industrial controls.

Recommended precautions include:

• Use closed-transfer systems where practicable

• Provide effective local exhaust ventilation

• Ground and bond containers and transfer equipment

• Use suitable explosion-protected or non-sparking equipment

• Prevent skin and eye contact

• Avoid breathing vapor or mist

• Keep ignition sources out of the handling area

• Provide emergency eyewash and safety-shower facilities

• Follow the personal protective equipment requirements in the SDS

• Prepare a site-specific spill and fire response procedure

Stabilized Ethyl Acrylate is commonly transported under:

• UN number: UN 1917

• Proper shipping name: Ethyl Acrylate, Stabilized

• Hazard class: Class 3, flammable liquid

The final transport classification, packing group, labels and documentation must be taken from the current shipment SDS and applicable dangerous-goods regulations.

Packaging and Bulk Supply

Available packaging may include:

• Approximately 180–190 kg steel drums

• Suitable IBCs, subject to route and regulatory acceptance

• ISO tank or bulk tanker supply for qualified volume orders

Exact net weight, packaging material and bulk availability depend on the source, destination, transportation route and local dangerous-goods rules.

Before ordering, confirm that your unloading, storage and transfer system is suitable for inhibited acrylic monomers.

Quality and Shipping Documents

Ask AOZUN to confirm the documents available for the proposed shipment, such as:

• Certificate of Analysis

• Technical Data Sheet

• Safety Data Sheet

• Product specification

• MEHQ inhibitor statement

• Packing list

• Commercial invoice

• Certificate of origin

• Dangerous-goods declaration

• Transport classification

• Regulatory statements required for the destination market

The batch COA should be checked against the purchase specification before shipment.

How to Request an Ethyl Acrylate Quotation

Provide the following information to receive an accurate quotation:

• Product name: Ethyl Acrylate

• CAS number: 140-88-5

• Required quantity

• Estimated annual consumption

• Intended application

• Required purity

• Maximum water content

• Maximum acidity

• Maximum color

• Required MEHQ range

• Preferred packaging

• Destination country and port

• Required Incoterm

• Required delivery date

• Required technical and regulatory documents

• Whether a pre-shipment sample is required

Including the inhibitor and quality limits in the inquiry helps prevent delays and specification disagreements.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ethyl Acrylate

Is Ethyl Acrylate a monomer or a solvent?

Ethyl Acrylate is primarily used as a reactive acrylic monomer. Although it is a liquid with solvent-like properties, it normally becomes chemically incorporated into polymers during polymerization.

What is the purity of AOZUN Ethyl Acrylate?

AOZUN supplies commercial Ethyl Acrylate with a typical purity of at least 99.5%. The final guaranteed value is stated in the sales specification and batch COA.

Is Ethyl Acrylate stabilized?

Commercial Ethyl Acrylate is normally supplied with MEHQ to reduce the risk of premature polymerization. The exact inhibitor concentration should be confirmed before purchase.

Can Ethyl Acrylate be stored under nitrogen?

A fully inert nitrogen atmosphere is generally unsuitable for conventional MEHQ-stabilized Ethyl Acrylate because MEHQ requires oxygen to function effectively. Follow the supplier’s SDS and approved storage-system design.

Can Ethyl Acrylate be used in water-based coatings?

Yes. EA is widely used as a monomer in emulsion polymerization to manufacture binders for waterborne coatings and adhesives. It is reacted into the polymer rather than simply added as an inert ingredient to the finished coating.

What is the difference between Ethyl Acrylate and Ethyl Methacrylate?

Ethyl Acrylate is an acrylate, while Ethyl Methacrylate contains an additional methyl group on the reactive double bond. This structural difference changes polymerization behavior, glass-transition temperature and final polymer hardness.

What is the difference between Ethyl Acrylate and Butyl Acrylate?

Ethyl Acrylate is more volatile and generally produces a less hydrophobic, somewhat harder polymer. Butyl Acrylate is commonly used when greater softness, flexibility and hydrophobicity are required.

Is Ethyl Acrylate suitable for food-contact applications?

Ethyl Acrylate should not be described broadly as food grade. Polymers, coatings or adhesives made using EA may be suitable for specific food-contact applications only after the complete formulation, residual monomer level, migration and destination regulations have been evaluated.

Can the MEHQ inhibitor be removed?

Inhibitor removal should only be performed through a validated process by qualified personnel immediately before a controlled reaction. Removing inhibitor increases polymerization risk and is not appropriate for normal transportation or storage.

What is the shelf life of Ethyl Acrylate?

Shelf life depends on production date, inhibitor concentration, oxygen level, temperature, packaging and storage history. Use the shelf life stated on the supplier’s documentation and follow first-in, first-out inventory control.

What packaging is available?

Ethyl Acrylate may be supplied in steel drums, approved IBCs or bulk tanks. Availability depends on order volume, destination and dangerous-goods transportation requirements.

Request an Ethyl Acrylate Sample or Quote

Looking for a bulk Ethyl Acrylate supplier for coatings, adhesives, textile binders or polymer manufacturing?

Contact AOZUN with your required quantity, destination, packaging, application and quality limits. Our team will review the required purity, water, acidity, color and MEHQ range before providing the applicable specification and commercial quotation.

Product: Ethyl Acrylate
Abbreviation: EA
CAS number: 140-88-5
Typical purity: ≥99.5%
Stabilizer: MEHQ
Transport name: Ethyl Acrylate, Stabilized
UN number: UN 1917