Is glycidyl methacrylate a liquid or solid?

What is Glycidyl Methacrylate (GMA)? Clear, colorless liquid with a strong ester and fruity odor.

Glycidyl Methacrylate (GMA) is a clear, colourless liquid with a strong ester and fruity odour. It'sIt comprises a polymerizable methacrylate functional group on one end and a reactive epoxy group on the other. It is slightly miscible with water, soluble in most organic solvents and has relatively low volatility. Its vapour is heavier than air. It copolymerizes readily with various functional groups, such as phenols, ketones, acids and amines. The added epoxy group imparts durability, mechanical strength, optical transparency, and adhesiveness.

Physical State of Glycidyl Methacrylate

Glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) is a clear, colorless liquid at standard temperature and pressure (25°C, 1 atm). It exhibits low viscosity (~4 mPa·s) and floats on water due to its specific gravity of 1.07-1.08.

The liquid form is commercially available with a polymerization inhibitor (typically MEHQ) to prevent premature curing. Under specialized conditions, GMA can polymerize into solid poly(glycidyl methacrylate) with a melting point of 274-280°C.

What is Glycidyl Methacrylate (GMA)?

Glycidyl methacrylate is a versatile reactive monomer with the chemical formula C₇H₁₀O₃ and CAS number 106-91-2. It contains two functional groups:

• Methacrylate group: Enables free radical polymerization

• Epoxy group: Facilitates ring-opening reactions and cross-linking

Key Characteristics:

• Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid with a mild ester/fruity odor

• Boiling point: 189°C (372°F)

• Flash point: 76°C (169°F) - classified as a flammable liquid

• Solubility: Miscible with most organic solvents, slightly soluble in water

• Reactivity: Dual functional properties allow participation in multiple chemical reactions

Primary Applications:

• Cross-linking agent in acrylic powder coatings and UV-curable systems

• Adhesion promoter in structural adhesives and sealants

• Polymer modification agent for polyolefins and synthetic rubbers

• Monomer component in dental composites and biomedical hydrogels

• Key ingredient in textile finishing agents for wrinkle resistance