Monomers are chemical carbon substances made from small molecules that form together to eventually create polymers. Monomers are generally used by monomer manufacturers as the building blocks, or starting point, for polymers, which are natural or synthetic compounds used to produce cellulose in trees, as well as wool, rubber, starch, adhesives and other products in manufacturing.

Monomers fall into different categories such as vinyl, diene and vinyldiene. Ethylene is the simplest form of a vinyl monomer, used to make polymers such as plastics. Other examples include the monomers propylene to make rope, vinyl benzene for drinking cups and vinyl acetate to produce latex paints. Butadiene contains the monomer chemicals to produce tires, while isoprene helps to produce natural rubber. Vinyldienes, such as isobutene, are used to make elastics. Locating the right sources of monomers requires the following:

1. Search for monomer suppliers for the polymer industry. Most of these companies provide monomer building blocks or kits to help you get started.

2. Find monomers that are functional across all industries. Monomer distributors usually work with companies that produce paints, plastics and other polymers for everyday use.

3. Seek monomer chemicals that are safe to handle and distribute.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find the resources you need to buy monomers

Some monomer suppliers for the polymer industry provide the building blocks for you to get started.

I recommend: Polysciences carries acrylic, styrene monomers for Styrofoam and adhesion promoting monomers, as well as polymer materials. United Chemical Technologies provides monomers and monopolymers to apply to plastic, glass and metal coatings.

Consider monomers that are usable in various industries

Monomer manufacturers distribute their products for use as protective coatings, agricultural solutions, the medical industry and even graphic arts.

I recommend: Esstech produces monomers for optical, dental and medical applications. Monson Companies is a producer of multifunctional and chemical monomers intended for use with graphics. Palmer Holland distributes monomers and solutions to home care, skin care, plastic technology, food technology, and industrial coatings businesses.

Search for monomers that are safe to handle for manufacturing purposes

Monomers should be resistant to heat, fire, oil and water. They should also meet environmental and industrial standards.

I recommend: Dyneon, a 3M division, manufactures custom monomers that are appropriate for fire suppression, plastic processing and heat transfer applications. Monomer producers such as Sartomer customize monomers to work with water, adhesives and pigments. They also manufactured specialized ethoxylated and propoxylated monomers that offer greater flexibility and reduce skin irritation.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Some monomer manufacturers for the polymer industry provide additional services. These include customized packaging and blending, technical assistance, waste management, solvent recycling and delivery services. Research and laboratory services and chemical storage facilities are also provided.