Overview
Hexadecyl acrylate is a long-chain alkyl ester of acrylic acid, classified as a higher homologue in the acrylate ester family. Its C16 alkyl chain imparts unique hydrophobic characteristics compared to shorter-chain acrylates like ethyl or butyl acrylate. Industrially, it serves as a key monomer for introducing flexibility and water resistance into polymer systems. First commercialized in the 1970s, this specialty acrylate gained prominence in adhesive formulations where balanced tackiness and cohesion are required. Modern production typically involves esterification of acrylic acid with cetyl alcohol under acid catalysis.
Physical and Chemical Properties
As a waxy solid below 15°C and viscous liquid at room temperature, hexadecyl acrylate exhibits lower volatility than short-chain acrylates. Its long hydrocarbon chain reduces polarity, reflected in water insolubility and solubility parameters around 17 MPa¹/². The acrylate double bond remains highly reactive for radical polymerization. Key thermal properties include a glass transition temperature (Tg) of about -65°C when polymerized, making it valuable for low-temperature flexibility. The ester group shows stability under neutral conditions but may hydrolyze under strong acids/bases at elevated temperatures.
Main Applications
Approximately 70% of hexadecyl acrylate consumption goes into pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs), particularly for medical tapes and outdoor labels where moisture resistance is critical. In UV-curable coatings, it modifies crosslink density to improve substrate wetting on polyolefins. The textile industry utilizes it as a fiber modifier to reduce static cling and improve hand feel. Emerging applications include 3D printing resins (as a flexibilizer) and oilfield chemicals (for hydrophobic polymer additives). Copolymers with methyl methacrylate create impact modifiers for PVC.
Safety and Storage
Like most acrylates, hexadecyl acrylate is classified as a skin sensitizer (H317) and mild eye irritant. The typical MEHQ inhibitor concentration (200-600 ppm) prevents premature polymerization but requires monitoring through shelf life. Flash point is approximately 110°C (PMCC). Recommended storage involves amber glass or polyethylene-lined steel drums under nitrogen blanket. Cold storage (2-8°C) extends stability, though partial solidification may occur. Always check for discoloration or increased viscosity as signs of degradation before use.
B2B Procurement Guide
Industrial buyers should specify technical grade (≥95% purity) versus polymer grade (≥98%). Key quality indicators include acid value (<0.5 mg KOH/g), water content (<0.1%), and confirmed inhibitor presence. Bulk shipments (ISO tanks) offer cost savings for >5 ton orders. Leading producers include BASF, Osaka Organic Chemical, and Sartomer. Regional pricing varies significantly – Asian sources may offer 10-15% cost advantage but require longer lead times. Just-in-time procurement is discouraged due to special storage needs.
Related Manufacturers
- 主营：脯氨酸甲酯盐酸盐、聚苯胺、苄基三甲基氯化铵
- 主营：杜仲素、二氧化硫脲、乙基麦芽酚、对位酯、丙烯酸酯、饲料添加剂、油酸基硬脂酸、二苯基硅二醇
- 主营：石油醚、四氢噻吩、顺酐、苯酐
- 主营：丙烯酸十六酯、精细化工品、润滑油、有机中间体
- 主营：V50引发剂、偶氮二异丁咪唑啉盐酸盐、N-乙酰己内酰胺、甲基丙烯酸十二酯、甲基丙烯酸十六酯、甲基丙烯酸十八酯、丙烯酸十二酯、丙烯酸十六酯、丙烯酸十八酯、马来酸酯、缩水甘油酯、硅烷偶联剂、双马来酰亚胺、缩水甘油醚、甲基咪唑、N-异丙基丙烯酰胺、金属萃取剂
- 主营：离子液体、5-二甲基吡唑、咪唑、双酚E型氰酸酯、催化剂、阻燃剂、正丁醇锆、四氟硼酸锂、香兰基丁醚、氟化物、全氟辛基三甲氧基硅烷、丙酮肟、叔丁基乙烯基醚、钯碳催化剂、钛硅分子筛、硫酸烟酰苯胺、丙酮缩氨基硫脲
- 主营：甲酸镍、水苏糖、阻燃剂、氢醌酯、球虫酯、柠檬醛、西瓜酮、卡必醇、消泡剂、磷酸铁、肉桂醇、肉桂醛、碳酸镉、磷酸铝、银墨水、椰油胺、封装胶、化合物、桦木油、稀释剂、羟乙基、乙硫氮、润肤剂、矮壮素、异龙脑
- 主营：己二酸二酰肼、2-甲基四氢噻吩-3-酮、3-甲基-2-丁硫醇、丙酸氯倍原料、亚乙基硫脲、2-辛二醇、三氟甲基磺酸铋、醋酸钯
- 主营：有机原料、中间体、香精香料、催化剂、有机硅、表面活性剂
- 主营：UV单体、阻燃剂、增塑剂、丙烯酸十六烷基酯、光引发剂、生物化工中间体
- 主营：全氟三丁胺、乙二醇二缩水甘油醚、催化剂、丙烯酸单体、甲基丙烯酸十八酯、丙烯酸酯类、催干剂、环氧稀释剂、增塑剂、偶联剂、交联剂、橡胶塑料助剂、电镀电子科技材料
- 主营：丙烯酸十六酯、麦芽糖酸、苯氧基环磷腈、甲巯基四氮唑
- 主营：5-三甲基己醛、正癸酸、樊多B醛、聚乙二醇甲醚甲基丙烯酸酯、山梨醇缩水甘油醚、聚苯胺、磷脂酸铵盐、谷胱甘肽、二氧化钒、三羟甲基氨基甲烷盐酸盐、3二羟基萘、二苯酮、庚酰氯、菲尼酮、茶香醇、苹果酸、菠萝醚
- 主营：化学品、香精香料、试剂、丙烯酸十六酯、中间体、有机硅、橡胶树脂、催化剂、纳米材料
- 主营：全氟聚醚二醇、全氟三丁胺、聚硅氮烷、丙烯酸十六酯、特种硅油、特种硅树脂