Acrylate Esters

Acrylate esters are used in the manufacture of surface coatings/paints and resins, adhesives and plastics, dispersions and in some cases paper. They are readily polymerised if exposed in water, to form a latex (a dispersion of solid particles in water) such as latex paints. An associated product is methyl methacrylate. Acrylate esters are made from the reaction of an alcohol such as methyl to an acid such as acrylic acid. This process is called esterification.

Commodity acrylate esters are butyl acrylate (BA), 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (2EHA), ethyl acrylate (EA) and methyl acrylate (MA), in order of decreasing importance. Speciality acrylate esters are made from isobutanol, isooctyl alcohol and several polyols such as hydroxyalkyl, alkylalkanolamine. They are manufactured in minor quantities to produce specialty polymeric materials.

Major commercial acrylates are formed from the following alcohols: butanol, isobutanol, 2 ethyl hexanol, ethanol and methanol.

Acrylate esters are sold by roadcar or iso-container in liquid form or drums. They are colourless liquids with acrid odours, and are traded as technical grade (99% purity). MA & EA are toxic enough to require a hazardous shipping label, while BA and 2EHA are considered safe.

ICIS pricing quotes acrylate esters in Europe, Asia-Pacific and the US.

NOTE: Acrylate Esters are covered under the umbrella of the combined Acrylic Acid/Acrylate Esters reports in Asia-Pacific and the US. Please see the separate entry for more details.

Frequency:

Published weekly on Wednesdays

ACRYLATE ESTERS (EUROPE)

Weekly Price Assessments:

Acrylate Esters Contract (Quarterly) Prices

• METHYL ACRYLATE FD NWE (EUR/MT & conversion to US CTS/LB)
• ETHYL ACRYLATE FD NWE (EUR/MT & conversion to US CTS/LB)
• BUTYL ACRYLATE FD NWE (EUR/MT & conversion to US CTS/LB)
• 2-ETHYL HEXYL ACRYLATE FD NWE (EUR/MT & conversion to US CTS/LB)

Acrylate Esters Spot Prices

• METHYL ACRYLATE FD (EUR/MT & conversion to US CTS/LB)
• ETHYL ACRYLATE FD (EUR/MT & conversion to US CTS/LB)
• BUTYL ACRYLATE FD (EUR/MT & conversion to US CTS/LB)
• 2-ETHYL HEXYL ACRYLATE FD (EUR/MT & conversion to US CTS/LB)

Assessment window: Assessments are based on information supplied by market participants up to the close of business at 1800 hours London time.

Specification: Technical grade of 99% purity.

Timing:  ICIS pricing assessments are based on cargoes delivered typically within two-to-four weeks forward, depending on source.

Terms: 30-60 days after bill of lading date.

Standard cargo size: In Europe, a typical cargo size is 1,000 tonnes for bulk, while a typical truck/railcar is circa 20 tonnes.

Assessment Basis: The European contract and spot price ranges are assessed following verification from major buyers and sellers in northwest Europe. European price quotations are published on a free delivered (FD) basis and incorporate discussions and confirmed deals across northwest Europe.

Following the price ranges, each report carries a market commentary which includes details of transactions, news on the supply/demand balance, export/import information, contract price negotiations and general sentiment for price direction. Where applicable there is product information, comments on up and downstream market developments and general market intelligence.

Printer Friendly