Cyclohexyl Methacrylate (CHMA) — What’s Promising, Where It Fits, and How We Supply It

What makes CHMA interesting

Cyclohexyl Methacrylate is a monofunctional methacrylate that builds acrylic polymers with high hardness, scratch/chemical resistance, good adhesion, low water uptake (hydrophobicity), heat resistance, high-solids potential, and outdoor weatherability—a combination that’s hard to get from many standard (meth)acrylates. Typical specs from major producers are ≥98% assay with ~50 ppm MEHQ inhibitor. Refractive index is ~1.458–1.460, useful where clarity and gloss matter. 

Core application spaces

• High-performance coatings (clear & pigmented). CHMA copolymers are used to push gloss, clarity, hardness, and durability in architectural, industrial, wood/metal, and protective finishes. Its cyclic, hydrophobic side group improves chemical and weather resistance compared with many linear esters. 
• Adhesives & sealants. In acrylic systems (solventborne, waterborne latex, UV), CHMA functions as a “hard” comonomer that raises Tg and cohesion while improving moisture resistance—valuable for structural/industrial adhesives and PSAs that need higher shear with controlled peel/tack. 
• UV-curable inks/varnishes & radiation-curable coatings. As a methacrylate monomer, CHMA fits standard UV/EB radical-cure platforms used widely in inks and coatings; formulators leverage it to balance cure speed, hardness, and film build in low-VOC systems. 
• Optical & specialty polymers. The high clarity and refractive index make CHMA a candidate for clear binders, topcoats, and specialty acrylics where minimal haze and durable transparency are needed (e.g., protective clears, optical parts, films). 

Formulation notes

CHMA forms homopolymers and copolymers readily with (meth)acrylic acid/esters, acrylonitrile, vinyl acetate, styrene, vinylidene chloride, maleates, and even with unsaturated polyesters/drying oils, giving a broad design window across solventborne, waterborne (emulsion), and radiation-curable systems. Expect meaningful contributions to hardness/Tg and resistance properties; tune with softer comonomers as needed. 

Safe handling & storage

Like other methacrylates, CHMA is stabilized (MEHQ) and must be stored under air (oxygen present) to keep the inhibitor effective; keep < 35 °C, follow FIFO, and earth/ground equipment to avoid static. Flash point is typically around 72–81 °C; avoid heat/ignition and manage polymerization risks per the SDS. Note that CHMA is a skin sensitizer—use appropriate PPE and hygiene controls. 

Supply & packaging

We can supply Cyclohexyl Methacrylate as trial quantities (a few IBCs ≈ 1 m³ each) or scale to full-container loads for ongoing production. Options include short-lead pilot lots for formulation work and contracted volumes for steady 200 MT/yr programs. Standard inhibitor levels (e.g., MEHQ) and documentation (CoA/SDS) provided; we’ll align on stabilizer content and logistics (temperature/oxygen management) to match your process.