3,4-Epoxycyclohexylmethyl 3,4-epoxycyclohexanecarboxylate丨CAS 2386-87-0

3,4-Epoxycyclohexylmethyl 3,4-epoxycyclohexanecarboxylate丨CAS 2386-87-0 is widely used in high-performance materials. Its structure includes two reactive epoxy groups on cyclohexyl rings, enabling excellent cross-linking ability and UV-curability. It is a colorless to pale yellow liquid known for fast curing, low shrinkage, and high thermal and chemical resistance.

Applications

1. UV-Curable Coatings and Inks

One of the most prominent uses is in ultraviolet (UV) light-curable systems:

Industrial Coatings:
Used in protective and decorative coatings on metal, wood, plastics, and paper, particularly where fast curing and low emissions are required.

Graphic Arts:
Used in the formulation of inks for printing on flexible packaging, labels, and electronic components.

Floor Coatings:
Offers high gloss, chemical resistance, and rapid surface curing, ideal for industrial and commercial flooring.

Advantages:

Fast curing under UV or electron beam (EB)

Low VOC emissions (eco-friendly)

High surface hardness and scratch resistance

2. Electrical and Electronic Applications

Due to its high dielectric strength and excellent insulating properties, it is widely used in:

Encapsulation and Potting Compounds:
Protects sensitive components like sensors, transformers, and microchips from moisture, dust, and mechanical stress.

Casting Resins:
Ideal for making insulators, circuit boards, and composite parts with dimensional stability and long-term performance.

Photoresists and Lithography:
Used in semiconductor manufacturing due to its photo-reactive epoxy groups and stable film-forming characteristics.

3. Adhesives and Sealants

Acts as a high-performance epoxy resin component in adhesives, especially for metals, plastics, and composites.

Offers good adhesion, thermal resistance, and chemical durability, even under harsh environmental conditions.

4. Advanced Composites

Used in fiber-reinforced composites for aerospace, automotive, and sports equipment industries.

The epoxy functionality allows excellent matrix bonding, while the cycloaliphatic backbone contributes to thermal and UV stability.

5. 3D Printing Resins

This diepoxide monomer is used in UV-curable 3D printing resins, particularly in SLA (stereolithography) and DLP (digital light processing) applications.

Offers good mechanical strength, fine detail reproduction, and post-cure stability.

Benefits

1. Fast UV/EB Cure Performance

Enables instant polymerization upon exposure to UV or electron beam radiation.

Ideal for high-speed industrial processes where productivity and low energy use are critical.

2. Low Shrinkage and High Dimensional Accuracy

The molecular rigidity and symmetrical structure help minimize shrinkage during curing, improving mold fidelity and part precision.

3. Excellent Electrical Insulation

With high dielectric breakdown strength, it provides long-lasting insulation for high-voltage and electronic applications.

4. Thermal and Weather Resistance

Cycloaliphatic structure contributes to:

High glass transition temperature (Tg)

Resistance to yellowing, UV degradation, and heat aging

Durability in outdoor environments

5. Environmental and Regulatory Advantages

Low VOC content makes it a preferred choice in eco-friendly formulations.

Complies with regulatory requirements in many countries for industrial coatings and electronics manufacturing.

Conclusion

3,4-Epoxycyclohexylmethyl 3,4-epoxycyclohexanecarboxylate丨CAS 2386-87-0 is a highly versatile and high-performance cycloaliphatic epoxy monomer. Its fast-curing, chemically resistant, and thermally stable properties make it invaluable in UV-curable coatings, electronic encapsulants, advanced adhesives, and 3D printing materials. With growing demand for sustainable, high-speed processing in manufacturing and electronics, this compound continues to be a material of choice across industries.