Poly(maleic anhydride), also known as PMA, is a reactive anhydride-functional polymer used in surface treatment, polymer modification, reactive blends, adhesion-promoter development, and specialty materials research. In the presence of water, maleic anhydride functionality can hydrolyze to form carboxyl-containing groups.
Synonyms / related names: PMA; poly(maleic anhydride); maleic anhydride polymer.
This product has a listed molecular weight of approximately 10,000 and is supplied as a colored solid for laboratory reagent use and manufacture of substances. Its anhydride functionality makes it useful in workflows where reactive polymer chemistry, interfacial modification, compatibility, or further functionalization are important.
Researchers, formulators, and industrial users may use poly(maleic anhydride) in surface treatment, reactive polymer blends, coating research, adhesion-related formulation work, and functional polymer development.
Key Properties
- Reactive anhydride-functional polymer
- CAS Number: 24937-72-2
- Product Number: 02348
- Synonym: PMA
- Formula: (C4H2O3)x
- Molecular Weight: ~10,000
- Appearance: Colored solid
- FT-IR: Conforms to standard
- Recommended for laboratory reagent use and manufacture of substances
Applications
Surface Treatment
Poly(maleic anhydride) may be used in surface treatment workflows where anhydride functionality is evaluated for adhesion, interfacial compatibility, or further surface modification.
Reactive Polymer Blends
PMA may be used in reactive polymer blend research where anhydride groups can support compatibility, functionalization, or interaction with compatible polymer systems.
Adhesion-Promoter Development
This polymer may be evaluated in adhesion-promoter and coating formulation work where reactive functionality is used to modify interaction with substrates, binders, fillers, or additives.
Functional Polymer Research
Poly(maleic anhydride) is useful in specialty polymer development involving anhydride chemistry, hydrolysis behavior, carboxyl-functional materials, and subsequent chemical modification.
Compatibility & Reaction Considerations
- Anhydride groups may hydrolyze in the presence of water to form carboxyl-containing groups
- Reactivity and compatibility depend on moisture exposure, pH, solvent system, temperature, and formulation chemistry
- May be evaluated with compatible hydroxyl, amine, or other nucleophilic groups under appropriate conditions
- Compatibility with substrates, additives, binders, fillers, and other polymers should be confirmed before scale-up
Final performance should be verified under the user’s specific application conditions, including concentration, solvent or carrier system, substrate preparation, reaction environment, and processing method.
Preparation Tips
- Use clean, dry equipment when anhydride reactivity must be preserved
- Minimize moisture exposure during handling and formulation when hydrolysis is not desired
- Add gradually with appropriate mixing to support uniform incorporation
- Confirm compatibility with the intended solvent, polymer, substrate, or additive system before use
- Run small-scale trials before production or process transfer
Handling & Storage
- Store at room temperature
- Store in a well-ventilated place and keep cool
- Use gloves and a fume hood
- Use good ventilation and wear appropriate personal protective equipment
- Avoid breathing dust and avoid contact with skin and eyes
- Refer to the Safety Data Sheet before handling
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FAQ
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1. What is Poly(maleic anhydride) used for?
Poly(maleic anhydride) is used in surface treatment, reactive polymer blends, adhesion-promoter development, coating research, and functional polymer modification workflows.
2. What is the molecular weight of this PMA product?
The listed molecular weight is approximately 10,000.
3. What is the CAS number?
The CAS number for Poly(maleic anhydride) is 24937-72-2.
4. What happens when maleic anhydride groups contact water?
Maleic anhydride functionality can hydrolyze in the presence of water to form carboxyl-containing groups, which may affect reactivity, compatibility, and final formulation behavior.
5. How should Poly(maleic anhydride) be stored?
Store Poly(maleic anhydride) at room temperature in a well-ventilated place and keep cool. Review the Safety Data Sheet for complete storage, handling, and personal protective equipment guidance.
Safety & Documentation
Poly(maleic anhydride) should be handled using gloves, a fume hood, good ventilation, and standard laboratory or industrial safety practices. The current SDS lists the product as not classified under GHS US classification. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and product specification for complete handling, storage, hazard, and technical information.
