Improved performance with reduced VOC Content
Composites
Evonik’s specialty methacrylate monomers are widely used as reactive diluents in vinyl ester (VE) and unsaturated polyester (UP) resins. The usage of styrene as a reactive diluent for VE and UP resins has recently come under increased environmental and regulatory scrutiny.
Product Properties
Reactive Diluents for Composite Resins
In the realm of composite applications, VISIOMER® Specialty Methacrylates provide a versatile and safer alternative to traditional materials. Historically, styrene has been used as a reactive diluent in these resins. However, increasing environmental and regulatory concerns have driven the search for alternatives. Methacrylate monomers effectively replace styrene in vinyl ester (VE) and unsaturated polyester (UP) resins. By choosing VISIOMER® methacrylates, manufacturers can improve the safety and environmental profile of their products without sacrificing performance.
Low Volatile and Low Odor Solutions
Our Specialty Methacrylates product line offers a wide range of low volatile and low odor monomers, ideal for fully or partially replacing styrene in composite resins. VISIOMER® crosslinkers, such as VISIOMER® 1,4-BDDMA, VISIOMER® EGDMA, VISIOMER® PEG 200 DMA, and VISIOMER® TMPTMA, are primarily used in composite formulations, providing robust structural integrity and durability. These crosslinkers facilitate the formation of strong, resilient networks essential for high-performance composites.
They can also be combined with other methacrylate monomers like VISIOMER® BNMA, VISIOMER® c-HMA, and VISIOMER® Terra IBOMA to create low-odor, styrene-free resins. By blending these reactive diluents, you can optimize properties such as mechanical performance and water resistance.
Versatile and Effective with VISIOMER® HEMA-P
VISIOMER® HEMA-P serves as an excellent adhesion promoter in adhesives and coating resins. It can also function as a co-reactive diluent in VE or UP composite resins. By enhancing the adhesion between the composite matrix and glass fibers, it significantly increases the Interlaminar Shear Strength (ILSS), improving the strength-to-weight ratio in glass-fiber reinforced composites.
In addition to its adhesion-promoting capabilities, the phosphate moiety in VISIOMER® HEMA-P provides flame-retardant properties. As a polymerizable methacrylate monomer, it acts as a non-migrating flame retardant synergist, suitable for formulating non-halogenic and filler-free flame-retardant composite materials.
Explore Evonik's innovative solutions to enhance your composite resins while meeting environmental and regulatory standards.
Applications
Cured-in-place piping (CIPP) is a trenchless technology used to rehabilitate existing pipelines without extensive excavation. This method involves inserting a resin-saturated liner into the damaged pipe, which is then cured to form a seamless, durable, and corrosion-resistant new pipe within the old one.
VISIOMER® Specialty Methacrylates are used in this process as reactive diluents for vinyl ester or unsaturated polyester resins. They reduce resin viscosity, enhancing flow and penetration within the liner for uniform distribution and effective curing. Methacrylates are a valuable option to replace styrene in traditional resin formulations, providing a less hazardous alternative that enhances safety and environmental compatibility.
Sheet Molding Compound (SMC) and Bulk Molding Compound (BMC) are essential technologies in producing engineered materials for the automotive and transportation industries.
VISIOMER® Specialty Methacrylates serve as effective reactive diluents in SMC and BMC composite resins. They offer a low odor and low hazardous alternative to styrene, providing a safer and more environmentally friendly solution without compromising on performance. This makes them an attractive choice for modern automotive and transportation applications.
In the production of composite resins for wind blades, the choice of reactive diluents is crucial. VISIOMER® Specialty Methacrylates offer a safer and low-odor alternative to traditional styrene. Methacrylates significantly reduce hazards, making them ideal for composite parts manufactured using hand-layup technology. By opting for VISIOMER® Specialty Methacrylates, manufacturers can achieve high-performance results while prioritizing safety and comfort in the workplace.
Benefits of specialty methacrylates for composites
- Low odor & low volatile reactive diluents
- Less hazardous
- Improved adhesion
- Flame retardancy
