Exploring EMAC® and EBAC®

Exploring Ethylene Methyl Acrylate and Ethylene Butyl Acrylate Copolymers

What Are Ethylene Methyl Acrylate Copolymers? 

Ethylene methyl acrylate copolymers have excellent optical properties, have relatively low melting temperatures, are relatively soft, and exhibit compatibility with several other types of polymers. Compared to LDPE, these copolymers are composed of methyl acrylate monomers in addition to ethylene. The inclusion of methyl acrylate—which has a relatively bulky chemical structure—decreases polymer crystallinity, making the resultant polymer more transparent and softer. The methyl acrylate content also provides functionality on the copolymer backbone that increases compatibilization with other polymers. These characteristics make it useful as a resin or an additive in a variety of coating, adhesive, and plastic manufacturing applications.

 

Ethylene Methyl Acrylate Copolymer Applications 

Owing to the properties described above, ethylene methyl acrylate copolymers are commonly used in applications listed below.

 

• Flexible film extrusion
• Extrusion coatings and laminates
• Heat seal layers
• Injection molded compounds
• Tie layers
• Masterbatches

 

In flexible film applications, ethylene methyl acrylate copolymers can be used as base resins for injection molding or single-layer extruded or coextruded films. Ethylene methyl acrylate copolymers also function as extrudable base resins to create coatings with good adhesion on various objects, ranging from plastic cards to building products. Since they have a low melting point and broad compatibility with other polymers, they also function well as tie-layer resins for coatings and heat seal resins for packaging. Their compatibility also makes them excellent universal carriers for masterbatches.

What Are Ethylene Butyl Acrylate Copolymers? 

Ethylene butyl acrylate copolymers are similar in many ways to the ethylene methyl acrylate copolymers described above. The key difference is that butyl acrylate monomers are used instead of methyl acrylate monomers in conjunction with ethylene to create the copolymer. Butyl acrylate creates an even bulkier side group in the copolymer backbone than methyl acrylate, further decreasing crystallinity and maximizing optical clarity. It also improves the polymer’s heat-sealing ability and cold-temperature processing strength.

 

Ethylene Butyl Acrylate Copolymer Applications 

Ethylene butyl acrylate copolymers can be used in the applications described above for ethylene methyl acrylate copolymers. However, they are typically used as resins in extrudable flexible film applications where maximum light transmission and optical clarity are necessary, such as solar films. They may also be used as an impact modifier for PET.

 

Westlake EMAC® and EBAC® 

Westlake produces ethylene methyl acrylate and ethylene butyl acrylate copolymers under the easy-to-remember brand names EMAC® and EBAC®, respectively. They are produced in Longview, Texas, and stocked across the United States. Special grades of EMAC® and EBAC® are available, known as EMAC+® and EBAC+®, which have acrylate content that provides better performance in high-temperature end-use applications and better adhesion. Grades and recommended applications are presented below.

ChemPoint is here to help you select the right grade for your application. Click below to talk to one of our formulation experts.