What Is Acrylic Acid? Properties and Industrial Uses

Acrylic acid is an important unsaturated carboxylic acid used primarily as a raw material for producing acrylate esters, acrylic polymers and copolymers. Its major industrial applications include adhesives, paints and coatings, superabsorbent polymers, textiles, detergents and water treatment chemicals.

Because acrylic acid contains both a carbon–carbon double bond and a carboxylic acid group, it can undergo polymerization and other chemical reactions. These properties make it a versatile intermediate for manufacturers developing products that require adhesion, water absorption, dispersion, thickening or film formation.

What is Acrylic Acid?

Acrylic acid is a colorless, corrosive liquid with a characteristic acrid odor. It is known for its ability to polymerize readily, making it a key component in the production of various polymers and co-polymers.

Its molecular formula is C3H4O2, and its CAS number is 79-10-7. Pure acrylic acid is generally a colorless liquid with a sharp odor. It is miscible with water and many organic solvents and can polymerize readily when exposed to heat, light, contamination or unsuitable storage conditions. Commercial acrylic acid therefore normally contains an inhibitor to help control unintended polymerization during transportation and storage.

Another Name for Acrylic Acid

Acrylic acid is also commonly referred to as 2-propenoic acid. This alternative name reflects its structure, which consists of a vinyl group (CH2=CH-) attached to a carboxylic acid group (-COOH).

Other names associated with acrylic acid include propenoic acid, 2-propenoic acid, ethylenecarboxylic acid and vinylformic acid. In commercial documents and safety data sheets, “acrylic acid” and “2-propenoic acid” are the most commonly used names.

Acrylic acid should not be confused with acrylate esters such as methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, butyl acrylate or 2-ethylhexyl acrylate. These are downstream derivatives produced by reacting acrylic acid with different alcohols, and they have different properties and applications.

Acrylic Acid Applications

Acrylic acid is used in a wide range of applications due to its ability to form polymers. Some of the primary uses include:

1.Adhesives and Sealants: Acrylic acid is used as a monomer in the production of acrylic polymers and copolymers for pressure-sensitive adhesives, construction adhesives, packaging adhesives and sealants. It can help adjust adhesion, cohesion, flexibility and compatibility with different substrates.

2.Paints and Coatings: Acrylic acid and its esters are important raw materials for acrylic resins used in architectural coatings, industrial coatings and surface finishes. These polymers can support film formation, adhesion, weather resistance and durability.

3.Textiles: Acrylic acid derivatives are used in textile binders, finishing agents, thickeners and coating formulations. Depending on the polymer design, they may improve adhesion, softness, water absorption, dimensional stability or resistance to repeated washing.

4.Superabsorbent Polymers:One of the largest acrylic acid applications is the production of superabsorbent polymers. Partially neutralized acrylic acid is polymerized to produce materials capable of absorbing and retaining large quantities of liquid. These polymers are widely used in diapers, adult incontinence products, feminine hygiene products and other absorbent materials.

5.Water Treatment: Acrylic acid is used to manufacture polyacrylic acid and acrylic acid-based copolymers for water treatment. These polymers can function as dispersants, scale inhibitors or components of selected flocculant systems, depending on their molecular weight and composition. They are used in cooling water, boiler water, membrane treatment and industrial wastewater applications.

Most acrylic acid uses are based on its ability to produce polymers and acrylate derivatives. Acrylic acid may be used directly as a reactive monomer, but many finished products contain polyacrylic acid, acrylic copolymers or acrylate esters rather than unreacted acrylic acid.

Acrylic Acid Price

The price of acrylic acid can vary based on market conditions, purity, and quantity required. At TJCY Industrial Chemical, we strive to offer competitive pricing for high-quality acrylic acid. Our pricing is transparent, and we provide customized quotes based on your specific needs. For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information, please contact our sales team directly.

Acrylic Acid for Sale

TJCY Industrial Chemical offers acrylic acid for sale in various quantities to meet your industrial requirements. Whether you need bulk quantities for large-scale production or smaller amounts for research and development, we can accommodate your needs. Our acrylic acid is available in standard packaging options, but we can also customize packaging to suit your specific requirements.

Why Choose TJCY Industrial Chemical?

At TJCY Industrial Chemical, we are committed to providing high-quality chemicals and exceptional customer service. Here’s why you should choose us for your acrylic acid needs:

Quality Assurance: Our acrylic acid meets stringent quality standards, ensuring consistent performance in your applications.

Competitive Pricing: We offer competitive prices without compromising on quality.

Technical Support: Our team of experts is available to provide technical support and answer any questions you may have about using acrylic acid.

Reliable Delivery: We ensure timely delivery of your orders, with various shipping options available to meet your schedule.

Conclusion

Acrylic acid is a vital chemical with diverse applications across multiple industries. At TJCY Industrial Chemical, we offer high-quality acrylic acid at competitive prices, backed by excellent customer service and technical support. For more information on acrylic acid, including pricing and availability, please contact us today. Let us help you meet your chemical needs with our reliable and efficient solutions.