Which monomer is primarily used in acrylic liquids?

The primary monomer used in acrylic liquids is ethyl methacrylate. This compound is favored in the nails industry because it has a balance of properties that provide good adhesion, flexibility, and durability, making it particularly suitable for forming strong and long-lasting enhancements on the natural nail. Ethyl methacrylate polymerizes effectively when mixed with the appropriate initiators (like a catalyst) and is less prone to lifting compared to some of the alternative monomers.

Other monomers, while they can be used to create acrylics, do not typically exhibit the same level of compatibility and performance as ethyl methacrylate within the context of nail technology. For example, methyl acrylate, although a strong adhesive, is generally considered more aggressive on the natural nail and can cause irritation, leading to its decreased use in professional nail applications. Similarly, butyl methacrylate and propyl methacrylate, while still functional, do not have the same favorable characteristics as ethyl methacrylate and are less commonly seen in high-quality acrylic nail products.

Thus, ethyl methacrylate's unique attributes make it the preferred choice for creating acrylic nail systems that are effective in both performance and user satisfaction.