Acrylic Acid: A Building Block of Modern Polymers and Coatings

Acrylic acid is a highly reactive and versatile organic compound widely used in the production of plastics, adhesives, paints, and superabsorbent polymers. As a key monomer in polymer chemistry, its importance spans across industries ranging from textiles to agriculture and hygiene products.

What Is Acrylic Acid?

• Chemical Formula: C₃H₄O₂

• Molecular Weight: 72.06 g/mol

• IUPAC Name: Prop-2-enoic acid

• Synonyms: 2-Propenoic acid, Vinylformic acid

Acrylic acid consists of a carboxylic acid group attached to a vinyl group (a double bond), making it both an unsaturated acid and a powerful monomer.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Property	Value
Appearance	Colorless liquid with pungent odor
Boiling Point	~141 °C
Melting Point	~14 °C
Solubility	Completely miscible with water
Density	~1.05 g/cm³
pKa	~4.25
Flash Point	~54 °C (closed cup)

 

Its high reactivity is due to the double bond (prone to polymerization) and carboxylic acid group (acidic and reactive in esterification).

Industrial Production

Acrylic acid is mainly produced via oxidation of propylene, a petrochemical process:

1. Propylene → Acrolein (via partial oxidation)

2. Acrolein → Acrylic acid (via further oxidation)

Alternative, greener routes using bio-based feedstocks (like glycerol or lactic acid) are under active development to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Major Applications

1. Superabsorbent Polymers (SAPs)

One of the largest uses of acrylic acid is in the production of polyacrylic acid and its salts (e.g., sodium polyacrylate), which form SAPs capable of absorbing and retaining hundreds of times their weight in water.

Common in:

• Baby diapers

• Feminine hygiene products

• Incontinence pads

• Agricultural water-retaining gels

2. Acrylic Esters

Acrylic acid is esterified with alcohols to form acrylic esters (e.g., methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate), which are then used in:

• Adhesives

• Paints and coatings

• Textile finishes

• Paper treatment

These esters polymerize easily and are used to create acrylic resins, known for their durability, transparency, and weather resistance.

3. Polymers and Copolymers

Acrylic acid is a key monomer in:

• Paints and varnishes

• Pressure-sensitive adhesives

• Thermoplastics and sealants

• Thickeners and dispersants (when polymerized with other monomers like acrylamide or methacrylic acid)

4. Water Treatment

Its copolymers are used in scale inhibitors, dispersants, and flocculants in water treatment, cooling towers, and oil recovery operations.

Health and Safety

Acrylic acid is highly reactive and can be hazardous if not handled properly.

Hazards:

• Corrosive to skin and eyes

• Respiratory irritant

• Flammable liquid

• Polymerizes spontaneously if not stabilized (often shipped with hydroquinone or MEHQ inhibitor)

Handling:

• Use gloves, goggles, and fume hoods

• Store in a cool, ventilated area

• Keep away from heat, light, and free-radical initiators

Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for full precautions.

Environmental Considerations

While acrylic acid itself is readily biodegradable, its production from fossil fuels raises sustainability concerns. Current research focuses on:

• Bio-based production using renewable resources

• Recycling of acrylic polymers

• Safer derivatives for consumer applications

Conclusion

Acrylic acid is a cornerstone of modern polymer chemistry, enabling the production of materials that are strong, lightweight, absorbent, and weather-resistant. From diapers to coatings to water treatment, its impact is both broad and indispensable.

---

Did You Know?
The superabsorbent polymer made from acrylic acid can absorb up to 300–800 times its weight in water, making it crucial in personal hygiene and agriculture.

Contact Us

Phone : +49 1512 4714765 ( Germany )
Phone : +1 (702) 381-3042 ( USA )
Email : [email protected]
Address : Cunostraße 56, 14193 Berlin. Germany
Address : 7373 Rowlett Park Dr, Tampa, FL 33610, United States.