What is Acrylic Acid?
If you're working in coatings, adhesives, or polymer manufacturing, you've probably dealt with acrylic acid—or at least heard about it. But what exactly makes this chemical so essential across so many industries?
Acrylic acid (CAS: 79-10-7) is a clear, colorless liquid with a characteristic sharp, acrid odor. It's an unsaturated carboxylic acid that serves as a fundamental building block for producing acrylic polymers and copolymers. Our standard grade offers ≥99.5% purity, which meets the requirements for most industrial applications.
Key Chemical Properties
- Molecular Formula: C₃H₄O₂
- Purity: ≥99.5% (standard), 99.9% (glacial grade available on request)
- Boiling Point: 141°C
- Density: 1.05 g/cm³ at 20°C
- Solubility: Completely miscible with water, alcohols, and most organic solvents
Major Industrial Applications
Coatings & Paints
Acrylic acid-based polymers provide excellent adhesion, weather resistance, and gloss retention. Whether you're formulating architectural paints for exterior walls or industrial coatings for metal surfaces, acrylic acid helps achieve durability that lasts.
Adhesives & Sealants
The carboxyl groups in acrylic acid improve adhesion to various substrates—especially challenging surfaces like metals and plastics. This makes it invaluable for pressure-sensitive adhesives used in tapes, labels, and bonding applications.
Textile Treatment
Acrylic polymers modify fabric hand feel, improve wrinkle resistance, and enhance dye fixation. Textile manufacturers often use it to upgrade cotton and synthetic blends.
Superabsorbent Polymers (SAP)
Sodium polyacrylate, derived from acrylic acid, can absorb hundreds of times its weight in water—making it critical for hygiene products like baby diapers and adult incontinence care.
Quality Specifications
- Assay (Purity): ≥99.5%
- Water Content: ≤0.1% (critical for polymerization control)
- Acetic Acid Impurity: ≤0.2%
- Aldehyde Content: ≤50 ppm (affects product color stability)
- Inhibitor (MEHQ): 10-20 ppm (prevents premature polymerization during storage)
Packaging and Storage
We supply acrylic acid in 200kg HDPE drums, 1000kg IBC tanks, and bulk ISO tank containers. Storage temperature should stay below 30°C, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. The inhibitor system works effectively for about 12 months from manufacture date.
Safety Considerations
Acrylic acid is corrosive and can cause severe skin burns and eye damage. It's also flammable (flash point: 50°C). Proper PPE includes chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, and protective clothing. Ensure adequate ventilation in storage and handling areas.
Working with JBSR
We've been supplying acrylic acid to coating manufacturers, adhesive formulators, and textile processors across Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America for years. All our batches come with full traceability and third-party inspection options (SGS, BV, Intertek).