2 Hydroxyethyl Acrylate High-Performance Monomer for Paints & Adhesives

• Understanding 2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate Chemistry and Properties
• Technical Advantages Driving Industrial Adoption
• Competitive Manufacturer Comparison Analysis
• Custom Formulation Solutions for Specific Applications
• Diverse Application Case Studies Across Industries
• Handling and Safety Best Practices
• Future Innovations in Hydroxyethyl Acrylate Chemistry

(2 hydroxyethyl acrylate)

Understanding 2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate Chemistry and Properties

2-Hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) is a vital acrylic ester monomer characterized by its dual-functional molecular structure combining vinyl reactivity and hydroxyl functionality. This bifunctional nature enables covalent bonding with both organic and inorganic substrates while facilitating polymerization through its acrylate group. With a molecular weight of 116.12 g/mol and CAS number 818-61-1, HEA exhibits a viscosity of 5-15 cP at 25°C and a distinctive sweet odor.

Critical specifications governing commercial HEA include:

• Purity: 96-99.5% (industrial grade to electronic grade)
• Color (APHA): ≤30 for optical applications
• Water content: ≤0.1% to prevent hydrolysis
• Inhibitor content: 200-600 ppm MEHQ for stabilization

HEA's hydroxyl group enhances hydrophilicity compared to methyl acrylate derivatives, evidenced by its 40% higher water solubility (65g/L vs 46g/L for hydroxyethyl methyl acrylate). The monomer's reactivity ratio (Q=0.33, e=0.34) supports copolymerization with styrene, vinyl acetate, and acrylic monomers, enabling customized polymer glass transition temperatures ranging from -15°C to 105°C.

Technical Advantages Driving Industrial Adoption

The hydroxyl functionality in 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate enables unmatched performance benefits across material science applications. Compared to standard acrylates, HEA-modified polymers demonstrate 28% greater adhesion strength to metal substrates according to ASTM D4541 pull-off tests. Crosslinking density measurements via DMA reveal HEA contributes to 15-40% higher crosslink density than alkyl acrylates at equivalent concentrations.

UV-curable formulations incorporating HEA achieve 90%+ monomer conversion in under 3 seconds of mercury lamp exposure, whereas methyl acrylate derivatives require 5-7 seconds for comparable conversion. This reactivity translates directly to 30% faster production line speeds in coatings manufacturing. Additionally, HEA's hydroxyl group facilitates:

• Water dispersibility up to 45% without surfactants
• Chemical bonding with isocyanates in polyurethane systems
• Enhanced compatibility with polar substrates like wood and cellulose
• Metal-chelation properties for corrosion-resistant primers

Thermal stability assessments reveal HEA-copolymers maintain structural integrity at temperatures 50°C higher than ethyl acrylate analogues, extending service life in automotive underhood applications.

Comparative Analysis of Leading Manufacturers

Nippon Shokubai leads in purity standards with dedicated production lines for electronics-grade HEA containing

Tailoring Solutions for Specific Applications

Advanced HEA formulations address increasingly specialized requirements across industrial sectors. For UV-curable dental composites, manufacturers have developed low-odor variants containing hydroxyethyl methyl acrylate blends to maintain conversion rates while reducing VOCs by 80% versus conventional formulations. Humidity-resistant wood coatings require customized combinations of HEA with hydrophobic monomers to balance open time (>15 minutes) with moisture resistance (>500 hours QUV).

Electronics encapsulation demands specific HEA derivatives:

• Ultra-low chloride variants (
• Metal-free formulations (Ni
• High resistivity grades (>10^15 Ω·cm)

Adhesive manufacturers increasingly request oligomer-modified HEA systems with tailored functionality indexes (FI) ranging from 3.5 to 7.2. These custom formulations reduce formulation complexity while improving peel strength by up to 35% in pressure-sensitive adhesives.

Diverse Application Case Studies Across Industries

Automotive OEMs have deployed HEA-enhanced clear coats across 4 million vehicles since 2021, reporting 60% reduction in micro-scratching compared to traditional formulations. In medical device manufacturing, UV-cured HEA-based adhesives demonstrate biocompatibility per ISO 10993 standards while providing bonding strength up to 15 MPa on polycarbonate components.

Major wind turbine producers utilize HEA-modified gel coats providing:

• Salt spray resistance exceeding 10,000 hours (ASTM B117)
• Ice adhesion reduction by 40% in Arctic deployments
• UV stability retaining 95% gloss after 5 years outdoor exposure

Flexographic printing plate manufacturers have increased plate longevity by 400% by incorporating hydroxyethyl acrylate into relief layers, reducing polymer swelling from 25% to 7% in aggressive solvent systems. Water treatment plants report 99.99% biofilm inhibition using HEA-functionalized membrane surfaces, significantly extending maintenance cycles.

Handling and Safety Best Practices

As a Category 1B skin sensitizer, 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate requires engineering controls maintaining airborne concentrations below 0.5 ppm. Thermal stability analysis dictates storage temperatures between 5-25°C with nitrogen blanketting to prevent polymerization. Material compatibility studies confirm acceptable storage in stainless steel (316L) or polyethylene containers.

Critical safety protocols include:

• Butyl rubber gloves providing >8 hours protection (per EN 374 testing)
• Closed transfer systems meeting CCPS containment standards
• Emergency polymerization inhibitor kits for spill management

Transport regulations classify HEA as UN 2922 (Corrosive Liquid), requiring UN-certified packaging with dedicated segregation from amines and oxidizing agents. Residual monomer in finished polymers must be controlled below 50 ppm for consumer products according to EU REACH Annex XVII restrictions.

Future Innovations in Hydroxyethyl Acrylate Chemistry

Current R&D focuses on enzymatic production methods yielding 99.9% selectivity with energy consumption reduced by 70% versus traditional catalysis. Industry leaders project bio-based HEA using glucose feedstocks will capture 25% market share by 2030. Advanced purification techniques now achieve sub-ppb metal content required for semiconductor encapsulation.

Rheologically-modified hydroxyethyl acrylate derivatives enable high-resolution 3D printing of biomedical scaffolds with 10μm feature resolution. Recent polymer patents reveal hydroxyethyl methacrylate/HEA hybrids boosting adhesive performance at extreme temperatures (-60°C to 220°C) for aerospace applications. Collaborative studies between BASF and Fraunhofer Institute demonstrate functionalized HEA nanoparticles increasing photovoltaic efficiency by 11.2% in next-generation solar cells.

(2 hydroxyethyl acrylate)

FAQS on 2 hydroxyethyl acrylate

Q: What is 2 hydroxyethyl acrylate?

A: 2 hydroxyethyl acrylate is a colorless liquid monomer derived from acrylic acid and ethylene glycol. It features a hydroxyl group that enhances reactivity, making it useful in polymerization processes. This compound is commonly employed in adhesives, coatings, and resins.

Q: What are the key uses of 2 hydroxyethyl acrylate?

A: The primary uses include manufacturing UV-curable coatings due to its fast-curing properties. It also serves in acrylic adhesives for improved durability and flexibility. Additionally, it's found in personal care products like nail polishes for enhanced finish and adhesion.

Q: How does hydroxyethyl methyl acrylate differ from hydroxyethyl acrylate?

A: Hydroxyethyl methyl acrylate includes a methyl group, making it less hydrophilic and more resistant to water compared to hydroxyethyl acrylate. It offers better stability in industrial applications like automotive coatings. This modification enhances durability and reduces yellowing over time.

Q: Where is hydroxyethyl acrylate commonly applied?

A: Hydroxyethyl acrylate is widely used in the production of pressure-sensitive adhesives for tapes and labels. It is also incorporated into textile finishes to add softness and water resistance. Moreover, it finds application in dental materials for its biocompatibility and bonding strength.

Q: Is hydroxyethyl acrylate safe for industrial handling?

A: Proper safety precautions are essential as hydroxyethyl acrylate can cause skin and eye irritation upon direct contact. It is recommended to use personal protective equipment like gloves and goggles in workplaces. Always refer to material safety data sheets (MSDS) for detailed handling guidelines and first aid measures.