| product_name | Hydroxyethyl acrylate |
| CAS_number | 818-61-1 |
| formula | C5H8O3 |
| molar_mass | 116.12 g/mol |
| density | 1.093 g/cm³ |
| boiling_point | 82-83 °C at 15 mmHg |
| melting_point | -65 °C |
| flash_point | 99 °C |
| refractive_index | 1.452 |
| viscosity | 8.4 mPa·s at 20 °C |
| solubility | Miscible with water |
| appearance | Colorless liquid |
| odor | Mild ester-like |
| vapor_density | 4.01 (air=1) |
| vapor_pressure | 0.15 mmHg at 20 °C |
What is Hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) and how is it commonly used in industrial
applications?
Hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) is a chemical compound that is widely
employed in various industrial applications due to its versatile properties. HEA is an
acrylate monomer that features a hydroxyl group, which significantly enhances its utility in
different formulations. This compound is primarily used in the production of resins and
copolymers, where its ability to improve the adhesion, flexibility, and toughness of the
final product is highly valued. In the coatings industry, HEA serves as a critical component
in the formulation of waterborne and solvent-borne coatings. Its chemical structure allows
it to participate in the cross-linking process, which is essential for creating durable,
hard surfaces with excellent resistance to water, chemicals, and abrasion. This makes it
particularly useful in protective coatings for automotive, marine, and industrial equipment
applications.
HEA is also utilized in the adhesives and sealants industry. The
presence of the hydroxyl group in HEA contributes to increased adhesive properties, making
it ideal for use in high-performance adhesive products. It enhances the bond strength and
durability, which is crucial for applications that involve a diverse range of substrates and
environmental conditions. In the realm of textiles, HEA is employed in fabric treatments to
improve water resistance and adhesion of dye and print patterns. Additionally, its role in
improving the flexibility and elasticity of fabric coatings adds value to the textile
manufacturing process.
Furthermore, HEA finds applications in the production of
superabsorbent polymers – a key component in personal care products such as diapers and
adult incontinence products. The hydrophilic nature of hydroxyethyl acrylate enables
superior moisture absorption capabilities, making products more effective for end-users. In
the field of electronics, HEA-based formulations offer improved thermal and chemical
stability for protective coatings and encapsulants, safeguarding sensitive components
against harsh conditions. Given its multifunctional nature, hydroxyethyl acrylate is an
essential material in the toolkit of industries aiming to enhance product performance and
longevity.
How does Hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) contribute to the environmental
performance of coatings?
Hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) plays a pivotal role in
enhancing the environmental performance of coatings through several mechanisms. One of the
major advantages of HEA is its contribution to the development of low-VOC (volatile organic
compound) waterborne coatings. As industries strive to reduce their environmental footprint,
the transition from solvent-borne to waterborne systems is a significant step in minimizing
the release of harmful substances into the atmosphere. HEA is instrumental in this
transition because it facilitates the formulation of coatings that can effectively perform
in waterborne systems without compromising their physical and chemical properties. By
enabling the synthesis of high-quality coatings with reduced environmental impact, HEA
supports the coatings industry’s efforts to adhere to stricter environmental regulations and
contribute to sustainable practices.
Moreover, HEA aids in the formation of coatings
with superior durability and chemical resistance, leading to longer life cycles and reduced
need for frequent reapplications. The inherent cross-linking capabilities of HEA enhance the
mechanical performance of coatings, which translates to extended service life for coated
surfaces, whether in industrial, automotive, or architectural applications. This longevity
reduces material consumption over time, thus conserving resources and generating less
waste—a critical aspect of sustainable production and consumption. Additionally, the use of
HEA helps in achieving high levels of gloss and clarity in clear coatings further
emphasizing performance without environmental compromise.
Additionally, initiatives
supporting energy efficiency and the reduction of carbon footprints find support from the
favorable attributes of HEA in coatings. As HEA-based coatings can be cured at lower
temperatures compared to traditional alternatives, energy consumption during production can
be significantly lowered, thereby contributing to reduced carbon emissions associated with
manufacturing processes. As environmental concerns grow and green technologies advance, the
role of HEA in facilitating eco-friendlier coating systems is more evident, helping
industries align their product offerings with environmentally conscious consumer demands and
regulatory landscapes.
What safety considerations are associated with handling and
using Hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) in manufacturing processes?
When handling and using
Hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) in manufacturing processes, it is crucial to prioritize safety
due to the potential health risks and hazards associated with its chemical nature. HEA is a
reactive chemical that can pose irritant and sensitizing effects on humans, necessitating
stringent safety measures in its handling and application. First and foremost, proper
personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, safety goggles, and appropriate clothing
must be used by workers handling HEA to minimize skin and eye contact. In cases of skin
contact, HEA can cause irritation or sensitization, potentially leading to allergic
reactions with repeated exposure. Similarly, eye contact should be avoided, as HEA can be
highly irritating to the eyes.
In addition to personal protection, engineering
controls such as adequate ventilation systems should be implemented in the workplace to
manage airborne concentrations of HEA vapors. It is important to note that HEA vapors can
cause respiratory tract irritation; therefore, effective ventilation or local exhaust
systems are essential in maintaining air quality and preventing inhalation exposures. In
scenarios where engineering controls cannot reduce concentrations to acceptable levels, the
use of appropriate respiratory protection equipment may be necessary to safeguard worker
health.
Handling HEA also requires implementing spill and leak management protocols
due to its chemical reactivity and potential environmental impact. In the event of a spill,
containment measures and proper disposal methods as recommended by safety data sheets (SDS)
should be followed to mitigate contamination risks. Furthermore, safety training and
education for employees involved in the handling of HEA provide an understanding of the
associated risks and necessary precautions, fostering a culture of safety and preparedness
in the workplace.
Storage of HEA should be conducted in compliance with guidelines
provided by its manufacturer, taking into account factors such as temperature control,
lighting, and compatibility with other chemical substances to prevent undesirable reactions.
Owing to its flammable nature, keeping HEA away from ignition sources is key in minimizing
fire risks. Fire extinguishers and emergency response plans must be accessible and
well-communicated to personnel in case of emergency situations. Taking an informed and
proactive approach to the safe handling of Hydroxyethyl acrylate not only protects worker
health and safety but also ensures compliance with occupational health regulations and
promotes responsible chemical stewardship.
How does the incorporation of Hydroxyethyl
acrylate (HEA) influence the properties of polymers and copolymers?
The incorporation
of Hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) into polymers and copolymers significantly influences various
physical and chemical properties, leading to enhanced material performance. HEA is
characterized by the presence of both an acrylate group and a hydroxyl group in its
molecular structure. This unique configuration enables it to participate actively in
copolymerization processes, contributing to the formation of networks with improved
mechanical properties and chemical functionalities. One of the most notable effects of
incorporating HEA is the increased hydrophilicity of the resulting polymer or copolymer.
This property is largely attributed to the hydroxyl groups, which are highly polar and can
form hydrogen bonds with water molecules. As a result, HEA-containing polymers exhibit
improved water compatibility, making them especially valuable in applications such as
hydrogels, waterborne coatings, and adhesive formulations that require both high-performance
and ease of application.
Additionally, the presence of hydroxyl groups in HEA
enhances the flexibility and toughness of polymers by promoting cross-linking reactions.
When used in appropriate formulations, HEA can undergo cross-linking with other reactive
groups. The resulting network significantly boosts the material’s resistance to mechanical
stress and deformation, rendering it ideal for applications where durability and resilience
are requisite, such as in sealing components and resistant coatings. Furthermore, HEA’s
contribution to the improved adhesion properties of copolymers cannot be overstated. It
serves to reinforce the bond strength between the polymer and diverse substrates including
metals, plastics, and ceramics, thereby broadening the scope of HEA-based polymers in
industries demanding strong adhesive qualities.
The versatility of HEA also extends
to attributes such as thermal resistance and chemical stability. These enhancements occur
through the formation of stable chemical bonds within the polymer matrix that resist
degradation under various environmental conditions. Consequently, if thermal processing or
exposure to harsh chemicals is involved, HEA-modified polymers endure and retain their
structural and functional integrity, proving indispensable in high-performance applications
ranging from coatings to electronic components. In light of these properties, HEA is a major
contributor to advancing polymers and copolymers by enhancing their versatility and
extending their application range, fostering innovation across multiple sectors of
manufacturing and design.
What are the benefits of using Hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA)
in adhesive formulations?
Incorporating Hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) into adhesive
formulations offers a range of benefits that significantly enhance the performance and
versatility of the final adhesive products. The primary advantage stems from HEA’s unique
chemical structure, featuring both an acrylate group and a hydroxyl group. This
configuration allows HEA to contribute substantially to the adhesion properties,
flexibility, and durability of adhesive systems. One of the foremost benefits of HEA in
adhesives is its ability to foster strong adhesion across a variety of surfaces including
metals, plastics, ceramics, and even glass. The presence of the hydroxyl group in HEA aids
in the formation of hydrogen bonds with polar substrates, leading to increased interfacial
adhesion and bond strength. This capability is particularly advantageous in high-performance
adhesive applications that require reliable and long-lasting bond integrity under diverse
conditions.
HEA’s role in enhancing the flexibility and toughness of adhesives adds
to its appeal. The incorporation of hydroxyl groups into the polymer matrix of adhesives
promotes cross-linking, resulting in adhesive films that exhibit superior mechanical
properties such as elasticity and resilience. This attribute is especially beneficial when
designing adhesives for dynamic applications or those subjected to mechanical stress and
temperature fluctuations. By imparting flexibility, HEA allows adhesives to maintain
structural integrity without cracking or delaminating, thereby ensuring sustained
performance.
Moreover, the chemical stability imparted by HEA in adhesive
formulations extends the durability and service life of adhesive bonds. HEA aids in forming
robust molecular frameworks that offer enhanced resistance to environmental factors such as
moisture, chemicals, and UV radiation, making HEA-modified adhesives suited for both indoor
and outdoor applications. This chemical resilience reduces the potential for bond failure in
demanding environments, increasing the reliability of products and structures employing
these adhesives.
The incorporation of HEA into adhesives also promotes sustainable
practices by facilitating the development of waterborne and low-VOC adhesive systems. As
industries strive to minimize their environmental footprint, waterborne formulations have
become favored due to their reduced volatile emissions and safer handling characteristics.
HEA contributes to this trend by enabling the synthesis of effective water-dispersible
adhesives, aligning with eco-friendly and regulatory initiatives. By leveraging the
multifunctionality of Hydroxyethyl acrylate, adhesive manufacturers are equipped to produce
innovative, high-performance products that meet the evolving demands of contemporary
applications across multiple industries.
