Product Overview
Poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) is an anionic polymer valued for water retention, thickening, and dispersing performance in aqueous systems. This product is supplied as a 63% solution in water (MW ~2,000), providing a high-solids option that supports efficient dosing and easier incorporation into formulations requiring pH control, gel formation, and ionic interactions.
PAA is used across a range of applications—from personal care and coatings to industrial processing—where dispersion stability, rheology adjustment, and binding performance are important.
Additional Information
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MW/Mn: ~2.4
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Concentration: 63% solution in water
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Polymer content: 157.5 g polymer
Key Properties
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63% aqueous solution for convenient handling and high-solids formulation
- Anionic polymer functionality supports dispersion and stabilization
- Useful for thickening, water retention, and rheology adjustment
- pH-responsive behavior enables formulation flexibility
- Supports ionic interactions and binding in compatible systems
Applications
Adhesives & Sealants
Enhances adhesion and tackiness in pressure-sensitive adhesives and industrial sealant formulations.
Water Treatment & Dispersants
Improves suspension stability and supports scale inhibition performance in industrial processing environments.
Personal Care & Cosmetics
Functions as a thickener and stabilizer in gels, creams, and oral care products where texture and suspension stability are desired.
Concrete & Construction Additives
Used to enhance cement rheology and water retention in building materials and construction formulations.
Solubility & Compatibility
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Supplied in: Water (63% solution)
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pH behavior: pH-responsive due to carboxylic acid groups; neutralization can change ionization and solution behavior.
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Formulation compatibility: Performance may vary with salts/electrolytes, pH, surfactants, and other formulation components.
Evaluate performance under your target conditions, as ionic strength and pH can significantly influence viscosity, dispersion, and stability.
Formulation & Use Tips
- Mix thoroughly before use to ensure uniformity.
- For dilution, add the solution slowly to water under agitation to avoid localized viscosity changes.
- Adjust pH gradually when neutralizing; polymer ionization can affect viscosity and performance.
- Consider electrolyte effects, as salts can alter viscosity and dispersion stability.
Handling & Storage
- Store tightly closed in the original container.
- Keep in a cool, dry area and protect from contamination.
- Avoid extreme temperatures; inspect for changes in appearance or viscosity prior to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does “63% solution in water” mean?
This product is supplied as an aqueous solution containing 63% Poly(acrylic acid) by weight, which can simplify measuring and blending into water-based formulations while providing a higher-solids starting point.
2. How does a lower molecular weight (MW ~2,000) affect performance?
Lower molecular weight Poly(acrylic acid) grades typically contribute less viscosity than higher MW grades and are often selected for dispersing, stabilization, and ionic interaction performance where moderate rheology change is preferred.
3. Why can viscosity change after pH adjustment?
As carboxylic acid groups ionize during neutralization, polymer interactions in solution can change, affecting viscosity and stabilization. The final result depends on pH, concentration, and ionic strength.
4. What should I consider when diluting or blending this solution?
Add slowly with mixing to avoid localized concentration gradients. Monitor pH and electrolytes, as salts and surfactants can influence viscosity, clarity, and dispersion stability.
5. What applications commonly use this material?
Poly(acrylic acid) solutions are used across industrial and formulation settings such as adhesives and sealants, water treatment and dispersants, personal care products, construction additives, and formulation research where pH response and ionic interactions are useful.
Safety & Documentation
Follow standard laboratory and industrial hygiene practices. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for hazard information, recommended PPE, and safe handling guidance.
