About Acrylic Acid. Acrylic Acid (a.k.a. Acroleic Acid, Propenoic Acid) is a moderately strong unsaturated carboxylic acid, consisting of an ethene substituted by a carboxy group. It is a colorless liquid with a strong acrid odor. The presence of a carboxy group in its structure provides higher reactivity with epoxides and alcohols.

On a commercial scale, Acrylic Acid is primarily produced from the oxidation of propylene and/or propane derived from oil or natural gas, which are nonrenewable fossil carbon-based starting materials. Over the past years, research efforts have been made towards manufacturing Acrylic Acid from naturally renewable starting materials. In fact, alternative Acrylic Acid routes have emerged, using the following starting materials: lactic acid or 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP) (both obtained by fermentation of glucose or molasses originating from the biomass); or glycerol by-product from biofuels production, based on methanolysis of vegetable oils.

Acrylic Acid Handling. Because of its relatively high corrosiveness, Acrylic Acid should be stored in equipment made of or lined with glass, polyethylene, polypropylene, or stainless steel. The recommended bulk storage temperature is 15-25 °C since this temperature range avoids freezing. Inadvertent polymerization can be avoided at this temperature and with adequate inhibition. The standard level of inhibitor in commercially available Acrylic Acid is 180-220 ppm MEHQ (hydroquinone monomethyl ether) with dissolved oxygen for stabilization. Therefore, an atmosphere containing 5 to 21 vol% of oxygen should be maintained above the Acrylic Acid as pure oxygen could create a fire hazard. Steam, pure nitrogen, or any other inter gases could reduce the dissolved oxygen to a dangerously low level where the effectiveness of the inhibitor could be greatly reduced.

Acrylic Acid Production. Raw materials and the respective production processes employed in the manufacturing of Acrylic Acid are listed below.

Acrylic Acid Uses. The uses and applications of Acrylic Acid may vary according to its specification. The main forms of Acrylic Acid are ester-grade (technical grade, approx. 94% purity) and glacial (polymer grade, generally 99.6% minimum purity).

Acrylic Acid is a versatile monomer crucial in the formulation of various polymer types. Directly utilized in the production of Acrylic Acid polymers like polyacrylic acid and poly(methyl methacrylate) (acrylic glass), it is also esterified with alcohols to create essential polymers such as methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, and butyl acrylate. These acrylate esters are integral in applications like surface coatings, textiles, acrylic fibers, adhesives, additives, and detergent co-builders. Furthermore, Acrylic Acid serves as a precursor to sodium polyacrylate, a superabsorbent polymer. Widely recognized for its water-absorbing capabilities, sodium polyacrylate finds applications in products like diapers, adult incontinence items, and agricultural practices to enhance soil water retention. Beyond consumer goods, sodium polyacrylate is employed in industrial processes, contributing to thickening aqueous solutions and environmental applications, such as water treatment. Together, these applications highlight the diverse and crucial roles of Acrylic Acid and its derivatives in various industries.