⟡ Hydrophilic Methacrylate Monomers / Adhesives / Hydrogel Materials
2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), Technical Grade, ≥ 98.0% is a hydrophilic methacrylate monomer widely used in polymer chemistry, coatings, adhesives, hydrogels, and acrylic resin formulations. The hydroxyl functionality supports adhesion, flexibility, water compatibility, and copolymerization across a range of industrial and research applications.
HEMA is commonly incorporated into polymer networks and UV-curable systems where hydrophilicity, improved wetting, and controlled mechanical performance are required. The monomer is water soluble, while its homopolymer is water-insoluble but plasticized and swollen in water.
Key Features & Benefits
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Hydrophilic methacrylate monomer: supports water-compatible polymer formulations
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Reactive hydroxyl functionality: improves adhesion and copolymer compatibility
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Widely used in polymer systems: suitable for coatings, adhesives, and acrylic formulations
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Useful for hydrogel development: supports water absorption and swelling behavior
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UV-curable resin compatibility: commonly used in photopolymer systems
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Technical grade material: suitable for industrial and laboratory applications
Product Details
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Product name: 2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate
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Abbreviation: HEMA
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Grade: Technical Grade
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Purity: ≥ 98.0%
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Chemistry: Hydrophilic methacrylate monomer with hydroxyl functionality
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Applications: Adhesives, coatings, hydrogels, acrylic resins, UV-curable systems, and polymer formulations
Typical Applications
Adhesives & coatings
Used to improve adhesion, flexibility, and water compatibility in industrial coatings, sealants, and adhesive systems.
Hydrogels & acrylic resins
Incorporated into hydrogel and acrylic polymer formulations requiring water absorption and hydrophilic properties.
Photopolymerization & UV curing
Commonly used in UV-curable resin systems and photocurable polymer formulations.
Polymer modification
Utilized as a reactive monomer for copolymerization and functional polymer network development.
Functional Properties
The hydroxyl group in HEMA contributes hydrophilicity, improved substrate interaction, and compatibility with aqueous or water-swellable polymer systems. The methacrylate functionality enables free-radical polymerization and incorporation into crosslinked polymer networks.
HEMA-containing polymers are commonly used where flexibility, wetting performance, and controlled water uptake are important material characteristics.
Why Use HEMA?
HEMA is widely used as a versatile hydrophilic monomer because it combines polymerizable methacrylate functionality with water-compatible hydroxyl chemistry.
Its broad compatibility with adhesives, coatings, hydrogels, UV-curable systems, and specialty polymer formulations makes it useful for industrial manufacturing and materials research applications.
Handling & Storage
- Store in a cool, dry environment away from heat and direct light.
- Keep containers tightly sealed to minimize contamination and premature polymerization.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to heat, UV light, and radical initiators.
- Use appropriate laboratory protective equipment during handling.
- Consult the SDS for complete safety, storage, and handling guidance.
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FAQ
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What is 2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) used for?
HEMA is used in adhesives, coatings, hydrogels, acrylic resins, and UV-curable polymer systems.
What does HEMA stand for?
HEMA stands for 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, a hydrophilic methacrylate monomer.
Why is HEMA considered hydrophilic?
The hydroxyl functionality contributes water compatibility and water absorption properties in polymer systems.
Can HEMA be used in UV-curable systems?
Yes. HEMA is commonly incorporated into UV-curable and photopolymer resin formulations.
What is the purity of this HEMA grade?
This technical grade HEMA is specified at ≥ 98.0% purity.
