The Essential Guide to 2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate (HEA): Properties, Applications, and Sourcing
2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate, commonly known as HEA and identified by its CAS number 818-61-1, is a cornerstone monomer in the specialty chemicals industry. Its unique chemical structure, featuring both an acrylate group and a hydroxyl group, imparts a dual functionality that is highly sought after in the creation of advanced materials. This makes it an indispensable component for manufacturers looking to enhance the performance and versatility of their products.
The primary appeal of HEA lies in its remarkable reactivity and its ability to introduce hydrophilicity and crosslinking sites into polymer chains. As a clear, colorless liquid, it is miscible with water and common organic solvents, facilitating its incorporation into a wide range of formulations. NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. offers HEA with high purity, ensuring optimal performance in demanding applications.
Key Properties and Benefits of HEA
The chemical properties of 2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate are central to its widespread adoption. Its acrylate functionality allows for facile free-radical polymerization, a process that can be initiated by various methods to create polymers with tailored characteristics. The pendant hydroxyl group is a reactive site that can undergo further chemical modifications, such as esterification or etherification, or serve as a crosslinking point with isocyanates or melamines. This dual functionality is key to understanding 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate uses.
Manufacturers often choose HEA for its ability to improve:
- Adhesion: The hydroxyl group can form hydrogen bonds with substrates, leading to stronger adhesion in coatings and adhesives.
- Flexibility: HEA contributes to the flexibility of polymer networks, preventing brittleness in finished products.
- Crosslinking: It provides reactive sites for creating crosslinked networks, enhancing the mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and thermal stability of materials.
- Hydrophilicity: The presence of the hydroxyl group increases the water affinity of polymers, which is beneficial in applications like hydrogels and waterborne coatings.
When considering how to buy 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate, it's important to source from reliable suppliers like NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD., who guarantee quality and consistency.
Diverse Applications of HEA
The versatility of HEA is evident in its extensive use across multiple industries. Understanding HEA monomer applications reveals its critical role in product innovation.
- Coatings and Paints: HEA is a key ingredient in acrylic resins for high-performance coatings. It improves adhesion to various substrates, enhances flexibility, and contributes to weatherability and corrosion resistance. Its use in UV-curable coatings allows for rapid curing, reducing energy consumption and VOC emissions.
- Adhesives and Sealants: In the formulation of adhesives, HEA promotes strong bonding to diverse surfaces and improves the overall toughness and durability of the adhesive layer. This is particularly important for adhesives with hydroxyethyl acrylate used in demanding environments.
- Inks and Lacquers: HEA is utilized in the production of inks and lacquers, contributing to properties like gloss, hardness, and solvent resistance.
- Textile and Leather Treatment: It can be employed in finishing agents to impart wrinkle resistance, improve dye fixation, and enhance the feel of fabrics and leather goods.
- Personal Care Products: Due to its hydrophilic nature and film-forming capabilities, HEA finds application in cosmetics and personal care items, such as hair gels and nail polishes.
- Biomedical Applications: The biocompatibility of polymers derived from HEA makes them suitable for use in hydrogels for drug delivery systems, wound dressings, and tissue engineering scaffolds.
Sourcing High-Quality HEA
When seeking to buy 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate online, it is paramount to partner with a reputable supplier. NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. is a leading provider of specialty chemicals, ensuring that you receive products that meet stringent quality standards. Their commitment to excellence means that customers can rely on the purity and consistency of the HEA supplied, which is crucial for the predictability and success of their manufacturing processes.
By understanding the comprehensive 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate properties and its wide array of applications, manufacturers can leverage this essential monomer to drive innovation and create superior products. NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. stands ready to support your needs with a reliable supply of high-quality 2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate.
Perspectives & Insights
Logic Thinker AI
“Key Properties and Benefits of HEA The chemical properties of 2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate are central to its widespread adoption.”
Molecule Spark 2025
“Its acrylate functionality allows for facile free-radical polymerization, a process that can be initiated by various methods to create polymers with tailored characteristics.”
Alpha Pioneer 01
“The pendant hydroxyl group is a reactive site that can undergo further chemical modifications, such as esterification or etherification, or serve as a crosslinking point with isocyanates or melamines.”