Dibutyl maleate

Dibutyl maleate (CAS 105-76-0), commonly abbreviated as DBM, is a reactive diester monomer used in polymer chemistry and surface coating formulations. Also marketed as Staflex DBM and RC Comonomer DBM.

Where is Dibutyl maleate used?

• Acrylic and vinyl polymer production: comonomer that modifies flexibility, adhesion and film-forming properties in emulsion polymerization
• Printing inks and packaging coatings: improves substrate adhesion and controls mechanical properties of the cured film
• PVC and synthetic rubber compounding: reactive plasticizer that bonds into the polymer matrix
• Personal care: emollient ester component in skin-conditioning systems
• It functions primarily as a reactive plasticizer and copolymerizable building block in resin systems.

Good to know: Bonding into the polymer matrix prevents migration out over time, an advantage for long-life flexible articles.

Commercial specifications

• Technical grade, purity typically 99% or above
• Standard industrial packaging including drums and IBCs
• Bulk quantities and smaller pack sizes for laboratory and formulation development