Polyacrylic acid
Polyacrylic acid
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Polyacrylic acid

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Polyacrylic acid

Poly(acrylic acid) (PAA; trade name Carbomer) is a polymer with the formula (CH2−CHCO2H)n. It is a derivative of acrylic acid (CH2=CHCO2H). In addition to the homopolymers, a variety of copolymers and crosslinked polymers, and partially deprotonated derivatives thereof, are known and of commercial value. In a water solution at neutral pH, PAA is an anionic polymer, i.e., many of the side chains of PAA lose their protons and acquire a negative charge. Partially or wholly deprotonated PAAs are polyelectrolytes, with the ability to absorb and retain water and swell to many times their original volume. These properties – acid–base and water-attracting – are the basis of many applications.

PAA, like any acrylate polymer, is usually synthesized through a process known as free radical polymerization, though graft polymerization may also be used. Free radical polymerization involves the conversion of monomers, in this case, acrylic acid (CH2=CHCO2H), into a polymer chain through the action of free radicals. The process typically follows these steps:

The global market was estimated to be worth $3.4 billion in 2022.

Polyacrylic acid is a weak anionic polyelectrolyte, whose degree of ionisation is dependent on solution pH. In its non-ionised form at low pHs, PAA may associate with various non-ionic polymers (such as polyethylene oxide, poly-N-vinyl pyrrolidone, polyacrylamide, and some cellulose ethers) and form hydrogen-bonded interpolymer complexes. In aqueous solutions PAA can also form polycomplexes with oppositely charged polymers such as chitosan, surfactants, and drug molecules (for example, streptomycin).

Dry PAAs are sold as white, fluffy powders.

In the dry powder form of sodium polyacrylate, the positively charged sodium ions are bound to the polyacrylate, however, in aqueous solutions the sodium ions can dissociate. The presence of sodium cations allows the polymer to absorb a high amount of water.

PAA is widely used in dispersants. Its molecular weight has a significant impact on the rheological properties and dispersion capacity, and hence applications. The dominant application for PAA is as a superabsorbent. About 25% of PAA is used for detergents and dispersants.

Polyacrylic acid and its derivatives (particularly sodium polyacrylate) are used in disposable diapers. Acrylic acid is also the main component of Superabsorbent Polymers (SAPs), which are cross-linked polyacrylates that can absorb and retain more than 100 times of their own weight in liquid. The US Food and Drug Administration authorized the use of SAPs in packaging with indirect food contact.

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