Acrylic Acid (AA, ≥99.5%) is the most widely used carboxylic acid monomer for polycarboxylate ether (PCE) superplasticizer synthesis, superabsorbent polymers (SAP), water-based acrylic emulsions, and specialty thickeners. As a primary building block for cement-dispersing polymers, AA contributes the carboxyl groups that drive PCE adsorption onto cement particles.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Definly Chemicals supplies polymerization-grade glacial acrylic acid (GAA) directly from our Shandong factory to PCE compounders, SAP plants, and acrylic emulsion producers across Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe.
Quick Facts
| Chemical Name | Acrylic Acid (Glacial) |
| Synonyms | AA, GAA, Propenoic Acid, 2-Propenoic Acid |
| CAS Number | 79-10-7 |
| EINECS | 201-177-9 |
| Molecular Formula | C₃H₄O₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 72.06 g/mol |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless liquid with pungent odor |
| Purity | ≥99.5% |
| Inhibitor | MEHQ, 180–220 ppm |
| Packaging | ISO tank (20 MT) / 1000 kg IBC / 200 kg drum |
| MOQ | 5 MT (drums) / 1 ISO tank (bulk) |
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Assay (Acrylic Acid) | ≥99.5% |
| Water Content | ≤0.2% |
| Color (APHA) | ≤10 |
| Aldehydes (as Furfural) | ≤5 ppm |
| Diacrylic Acid (Dimer) | ≤0.05% |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤0.2 ppm |
| MEHQ Inhibitor | 180–220 ppm |
| Freezing Point | 13°C (must be stored above this temperature) |
Applications
- PCE superplasticizer synthesis — the primary carboxyl-functional monomer copolymerized with PCE macromonomer (TPEG/HPEG/EPEG) and 2-HEA to form polycarboxylate ether water reducers.
- Superabsorbent polymers (SAP) — partial neutralization with NaOH yields sodium polyacrylate hydrogels for hygiene products, agriculture, and industrial water absorption.
- Acrylic emulsions — comonomer in vinyl-acrylic and pure-acrylic latex emulsions for architectural coatings, paper coatings, and adhesives.
- Thickeners and rheology modifiers — alkali-swellable acrylic thickeners for paint, personal care, and detergent formulations.
- Water treatment polymers — anionic polyelectrolytes for scale inhibition and dispersant applications.
Why Choose Definly Chemicals for Acrylic Acid
- Polymerization-grade quality — low aldehydes and dimer content for consistent PCE polymerization yields.
- Iron-controlled — tight Fe specification prevents discoloration and inhibitor depletion during shipment.
- ISO tank logistics — temperature-controlled bulk shipment to keep AA above its 13°C freezing point during transit through cold-climate routes.
- One-stop PCE raw material supply — combine AA with our 2-HEA, PCE macromonomer, 3-MPA, and sodium gluconate in a single FCL shipment.
- Full export documentation — including dangerous goods declaration (UN 2218, Class 8 PG II) and required transport approvals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much acrylic acid is used in a typical PCE formulation?
Acrylic acid typically constitutes 8–20% of the total monomer mass in PCE polymerization, depending on the target charge density. Standard water-reducing PCE recipes use 10–15% AA; high-charge slump-retaining grades may go up to 20%.
Why does acrylic acid need to be kept above 13°C?
Glacial acrylic acid freezes at 13°C. If frozen, the inhibitor (MEHQ) can phase-separate from the AA crystal mass, leaving regions with insufficient inhibitor that may polymerize uncontrollably upon thawing. Definly recommends heated ISO tanks for winter shipments to Europe and Northern Asia.
Is acrylic acid considered a hazardous good?
Yes. Acrylic acid is classified as UN 2218, IMDG Class 8 (Corrosive), Packing Group II. Required dangerous goods documentation, segregation, and shipping declarations are provided with each shipment.
What is the typical shelf life?
Six months from production date when stored in original sealed containers at 15–25°C, with adequate ventilation and away from incompatible materials (strong bases, oxidizers, peroxides, polymerization initiators).
What is your MOQ?
Minimum 5 MT for drum or IBC shipments and 1 ISO tank (approximately 20 MT) for bulk. Smaller orders below 5 MT are accommodated only when consolidated with other Definly products in the same shipment.
Related on This Site
Related Products
- PCE Macromonomer (TPEG / HPEG / EPEG)
- 2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate (2-HEA)
- 3-Mercaptopropionic Acid (3-MPA)
- PCE Superplasticizer
Related Applications
Related Articles
Group Company: WIS Biotech, part of the same manufacturing group, supplies food-grade and feed-grade sodium gluconate for nutrition, food fortification, and specialty applications where industrial-grade purity is insufficient.