Poly(styrenesulfonic acid) (PSSA) is a strongly acidic polymer containing sulfonic acid functional groups. Supplied as a 30% aqueous solution, PSSA provides an anionic polyelectrolyte format for applications where ionic functionality, hydrophilicity, and acid functionality are important.
Related names: PSSA, poly(styrenesulfonic acid), polystyrene sulfonic acid, and styrenesulfonic acid polymer.
This product contains 75 g polymer in 250 g aqueous solution. It has a molecular weight of 70, viscosity of approximately 200 cps, and density of 1.1. PSSA is used in research and formulation work involving fuel cells and membranes, polyelectrolytes and conductive coatings, and biomedical or drug delivery applications.
Key Properties
- Strongly acidic polymer containing sulfonic acid functional groups
- Product Number: 08770
- CAS Number: 28210-41-5
- Molecular weight: 70
- Supplied as a 30% solution in water
- 75 g polymer in 250 g aqueous solution
- Intrinsic viscosity: approximately 200 cps
- Viscosity: approximately 200 cps
- Soluble in lower alcohols and glycols
- Density: 1.1
Applications
Fuel Cells & Membranes
Poly(styrenesulfonic acid) is used in research and formulation work involving proton exchange membranes and other membrane systems where sulfonic acid functionality and ion transport are relevant.
Polyelectrolytes & Conductive Coatings
PSSA is used as an acidic polyelectrolyte in coating and electronic-material research where ionic functionality, charge transport, and water-compatible processing are important.
Biomedical & Drug Delivery Research
This polymer is used in biomedical and drug-delivery research where strongly acidic polymer functionality, aqueous compatibility, and polyelectrolyte behavior are being evaluated.
Solubility & Compatibility Considerations
- Supplied as a 30% aqueous solution
- Soluble in lower alcohols and glycols
- Strong acidity may affect compatibility with substrates, actives, salts, buffers, fillers, and other formulation components
- Compatibility should be confirmed under the intended pH, ionic strength, concentration, and processing conditions before scale-up
Final performance depends on polymer concentration, formulation pH, ionic environment, substrate chemistry, drying conditions, and the intended research or formulation workflow.
Application Tips
- Evaluate concentration and dilution conditions in small-scale trials
- Account for strong acidity when selecting substrates, additives, buffers, and formulation components
- Screen coating or membrane performance under the intended processing and use conditions
- Use appropriate controls when evaluating ionic conductivity, charge transport, or polyelectrolyte behavior
Handling & Storage
- Store at room temperature
- Handle as a corrosive material
- Use gloves, chemical goggles, and a fume hood when handling
- Keep container tightly closed when not in use
- Follow the product SDS for complete handling, storage, cleanup, and disposal guidance
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FAQ
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1. What is Poly(styrenesulfonic acid)?
Poly(styrenesulfonic acid), or PSSA, is a strongly acidic polymer containing sulfonic acid functional groups. It is supplied as a 30% aqueous solution.
2. What is PSSA used for?
PSSA is used in research and formulation work involving proton exchange membranes, polyelectrolytes, conductive coatings, biomedical research, and drug-delivery application development.
3. How much polymer is in this product?
This product contains 75 g polymer in 250 g aqueous solution.
4. What solvents can be used with this product?
This product is soluble in lower alcohols and glycols. Users should confirm compatibility under the exact concentration, pH, and formulation conditions required for their workflow.
5. How should this product be stored and handled?
Store at room temperature. Handle as a corrosive material using gloves, chemical goggles, and a fume hood. Review the Safety Data Sheet before use for complete handling, storage, cleanup, and disposal guidance.
Safety & Documentation
Review the product specification and Safety Data Sheet before use. Handle as a corrosive material with gloves, chemical goggles, a fume hood, and appropriate laboratory precautions. Follow SDS guidance for storage, cleanup, and disposal.
