Hydroxyethyl acrylate
Product Overview
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate (HEA) is a versatile monofunctional monomer and a key building block in polymer chemistry. It features a polymerizable acrylic double bond and a reactive hydroxyl group in the same molecule. This structure allows it to readily undergo copolymerization with a wide range of monomers while also participating in crosslinking reactions. It is a clear, colorless to light yellow liquid and is known for significantly enhancing the performance properties of final polymeric products, even when used in small quantities.
Key Specifications
| Property | Specification / Typical Value |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless to light yellow liquid |
| Purity (%) | ≥ 97.0 |
| Water Content (%) | ≤ 0.5 |
| Inhibitor (MEHQ) | 200 ± 50 ppm (or as specified) |
| Acidity (as Acrylic Acid) (%) | ≤ 0.05 |
| Color (APHA) | ≤ 30 |
| Density (20 °C) | ~1.10 g/cm³ |
| Boiling Point | ~ 90 °C (at 5 mmHg) |
| Hydroxyl Value (mg KOH/g) | ~ 480 |
Main Applications
HEA's dual functionality makes it critical across numerous industries:
Coatings & Inks:
Thermosetting Coatings: A primary monomer in automotive, industrial, and appliance coatings. The hydroxyl group crosslinks with melamine-formaldehyde or polyisocyanate resins (in PU coatings), providing excellent hardness, chemical resistance, and mar resistance.
Radiation-Curable Systems: Used as a reactive diluent and crosslinker in UV/EB-curable coatings, inks, and adhesives. It is a key ingredient in the synthesis of urethane acrylates.
Photoresists & Photoreactive Polymers: Employed in the production of photoresist resins for printing plates and electronics (semiconductors, LCDs).
Adhesives & Sealants:
Improves adhesion strength to various substrates, including metals and plastics.
Enhances crosslink density, leading to superior heat resistance, chemical resistance, and cohesive strength in structural and pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs).
Textiles & Fibers:
Used as a co-monomer in fiber treatment agents and fabric coatings to impart water resistance, wrinkle resistance, and durability.
Paper Processing:
Incorporated into coating formulations to improve wet and dry strength, water resistance, and printability.
Specialty Applications:
Lubricant Industry: Serves as a chemical intermediate for manufacturing detergent and dispersant additives.
Electronics: Used as a dehydration agent in electron microscopy sample preparation.
Analytical Chemistry: Functions as a chemical reagent and as a component in water-miscible embedding agents.
Key Features & Benefits
Dual Functionality: The acrylate group enables copolymerization, while the hydroxyl group allows for crosslinking and chemical modification.
Enhanced Performance: Imparts outstanding durability, chemical resistance, and adhesion to final polymers.
High Reactivity: Readily copolymerizes with acrylates, methacrylates, styrene, vinyl acetate, acrylonitrile, and more.
Versatility: Suitable for various polymerization processes, including solution, emulsion, and suspension polymerization.
Performance Efficiency: Delivers a significant improvement in product properties even at low incorporation levels (typically 2-10%).
Low Viscosity: Acts as an effective reactive diluent in radiation-curable systems, helping to reduce formulation viscosity without using volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Handling & Storage
Storage Temperature: Store in a cool, well-ventilated place. The recommended storage temperature is between 2°C and 25°C (36°F and 77°F). Avoid freezing and elevated temperatures.
Inhibitor: Contains MEHQ inhibitor to prevent spontaneous polymerization. The inhibitor requires the presence of oxygen to function; therefore, storage under an inert atmosphere (e.g., Nitrogen padding) is essential for long-term stability.
Container: Store in tightly sealed containers made of stainless steel, phenolic resin-lined steel, or polyethylene. Protect from light.
Shelf Life: Typically 6 to 12 months from the date of manufacture when stored under recommended conditions.
Handling: Use with adequate ventilation and engineering controls. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and protective clothing.