Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) is a hydrophilic polymer widely used in biomedical materials research due to its water absorption properties, flexibility, and compatibility with hydrogel-based formulations. As a powder, it is useful in hydrogel formulations, contact lens materials research, controlled-release systems, and coatings for biomaterials research.
This pHEMA product has a nominal molecular weight of ~200,000 and is supplied as a powder / white to off-white granules. Its hydroxyethyl methacrylate structure supports water interaction and functional polymer formulation work where hydrophilicity and film or matrix formation are important.
Key Properties
- Hydrophilic methacrylate polymer for hydrogel and biomaterials research
- Product Number: 09689
- CAS Number: 25249-16-5
- Linear formula: [CH2C(CH3)(CO2CH2CH2OH)-]n
- Molecular formula: (C6H10O3)x
- Nominal molecular weight: ~200,000
- Specification: Mw by GPC ≥150,000
- Synonym: pHEMA
- Glass transition temperature (Tg): 55°C
- Refractive index: 1.512
- Appearance: Powder / white to off-white granules
- Soluble in: 95% lower alcohols (5% water), DMF
Applications
Biomedical Hydrogel Research
Used in research involving hydrogel matrices, contact lens materials, wound dressing materials, and other hydrophilic polymer systems.
Controlled-Release Materials
Forms hydrogel matrices for controlled-release materials research where water absorption, swelling, and polymer network behavior are important.
Coatings for Biomaterials Research
May be used in coating studies where hydrophilic surface properties, moisture interaction, and polymer compatibility are key formulation factors.
Adhesives & Flexible Polymer Systems
Useful in research involving bio-based adhesives, flexible hydrophilic polymers, and specialty methacrylate formulations.
Contact Lens Materials Research
Applicable to soft lens materials research where hydrophilicity, moisture retention, and polymer compatibility are being evaluated.
Solubility & Compatibility
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Soluble in: 95% lower alcohols with 5% water, DMF
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Specification solubility: 10% w/v in 95% ethanol passes
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Polymer type: Hydrophilic hydroxyethyl methacrylate polymer
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Functional character: Hydroxyethyl groups support water absorption and hydrogel-forming behavior
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Formulation use: Applicable to hydrogel, coating, contact lens material, controlled-release, and biomaterials research
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Compatibility: Performance depends on solvent system, concentration, water content, additives, substrate, and processing conditions
Final material behavior should be evaluated under the intended formulation, processing, and application conditions.
Preparation Tips
- Confirm compatibility with the intended solvent system, hydrogel formulation, coating system, or polymer blend before scale-up.
- Use controlled mixing conditions to support uniform wetting, dispersion, or dissolution.
- Evaluate solvent composition and water content, as these can influence swelling, viscosity, clarity, and matrix formation.
- For hydrogel or coating studies, test swelling behavior, film formation, adhesion, and mechanical properties under target conditions.
- Document solvent, concentration, mixing order, temperature, hydration time, and processing conditions for reproducible results.
Handling & Storage
- Exercise normal care when handling this material.
- Store at room temperature / 20°C.
- Keep container tightly closed when not in use.
- Protect from contamination and unnecessary environmental exposure.
- Use clean, dry tools to prevent contamination.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) powder used for?
Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) powder is used in research involving hydrogels, controlled-release materials, contact lens materials, coatings for biomaterials research, adhesives, and hydrophilic polymer formulations.
2. What is pHEMA?
pHEMA is the common abbreviation for Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate), a hydrophilic methacrylate polymer known for water absorption and hydrogel-forming behavior.
3. What is the molecular weight of this product?
The live product page lists a nominal molecular weight of ~200,000. The specification lists Mw by GPC as ≥150,000.
4. What solvents is this pHEMA powder soluble in?
This product is listed as soluble in 95% lower alcohols with 5% water and DMF. The product specification also lists passing solubility at 10% w/v in 95% ethanol.
5. Is this product suitable for biomedical or clinical use?
This product is useful for biomedical materials research. Suitability for any medical, clinical, diagnostic, implantable, or regulated use must be independently validated for the intended application.
6. How should Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) powder be stored?
Store at room temperature / 20°C, keep the container tightly closed when not in use, and follow standard laboratory handling practices.
Safety & Documentation
This product is listed as harmless under normal precautions. Exercise normal care when handling this material and refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS), product specification, and Certificate of Analysis for safety, handling, and lot-specific guidance.
