Acrylic polymers are polymer systems in which the monomers used are acrylates.  The acrylic systems can be divided into two categories, solvent based and waterborne.  The solvent based systems will be discussed on this page.  The solvent based systems is subdivided into two categories:  thermoset and thermoplastic polymers.  Thermoset polymers are that upon heating will not flow, the polymers that will flow upon heating are called thermoplastics.

Properties of Themosets Properties of Thermoplastics
low molecular weight polymers give high 
  molecular weight polymers when cured		 resistant to ultra violet degradation
formulated with less expensive solvents transparent water-white films
higher gloss low pigment reactivity
improved chemical, solvent, and alkali
  resistance		 compatibility with other film formers
better block resistance chemical and water resistant
resistance to chemical fumes

         Some examples of monomers used in acrylic polymers:
 
 
vinyl acetate
methyl methacrylate
2-ethylhexyl acrylate
styrene
butyl fumerate 
ethylene glycol monoester
of acrylic acid
 acrylamide 
vinyl chloride

   
 

Monomer Selection and Film Properties
Film Property Contributing monomer
  exterior durability acrylates and methacrylates
  hardness methyl methacrylate, styrene, acrylamides
  mar resistance acrylonitrile and methacrylamides
  gloss styrene and aromatic costituents
  color retention acrylates and methacrylates
  solvent resistance acrylonitrile, acrylamides, acrylic acid, 
  methacrylamides, and methacrylic acid
  water resistance styrene, methyl methacrylate, higher 
  acrylates and methacrylates

        End use application for some acrylic polymer coatings:

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