Hydroxyethyl methacrylate

Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate (HEMA) Product Introduction and Applications

Chemical Formula: C₆H₁₀O₃
CAS Number: 868-77-9

I. Product Characteristics

1. Physical Properties

   • Colorless transparent, easily flowable liquid with a slight special odor or mild scent;
   • Density approximately 1.073 g/mL (25°C), boiling point 180-190°C (decomposes), flash point 108°C (open cup);
   • Miscible with water, soluble in organic solvents.

2. Chemical Properties

   • Contains active hydroxyl (-OH) and methacrylate (-COOCH₃) groups, exhibiting both cross-linking and polymerization activity;
   • Prone to esterification and polymerization reactions; requires storage away from light (contains inhibitor MEHQ 200±50 ppm).

II. Core Applications

1. Resin and Coating Modification

• Coating Industry:
  • Copolymerizes with epoxy resins and melamine-formaldehyde resins to prepare two-component coatings, enhancing the mirror gloss and durability of automotive paint films;
  • Acts as a monomer in UV-curable coatings, improving ink leveling and print adaptability.
• Resin Synthesis:
  • Modifies acrylic resins to enhance the adhesion and water resistance of fiber treatment agents and paper coatings.

2. Biomedical Materials

• Raw material for synthesizing contact lenses (soft lenses), dental fillings, and artificial organs due to excellent biocompatibility;
• Used in tissue engineering scaffold materials to support cell growth and repair.

3. Specialized Industrial Applications

• Adhesives: Enhances bonding strength for textiles and non-woven fabrics;
• Electronics Industry: Serves as a dehydrating and embedding agent for electron microscopy samples;
• Photosensitive Materials: Monomer for synthesizing photoresists and fiber-optic communication resins.

4. Daily Chemicals and Consumer Products

• Thickening agent in cosmetics (hairspray, nail polish), improving product viscosity and spreadability;
• Additive in lubricants to enhance cleaning performance.

III. Packaging and Storage

• Packaging Specifications: 25kg/drum, 200kg/drum (industrial grade);
• Storage Conditions: Sealed, protected from light, stored in a cool, ventilated area (temperature ≤25°C), away from oxidizers and ignition sources.

IV. Safety Precautions

• Irritating to skin and eyes; protective equipment required during handling;
• Biodegradable, but avoid prolonged release into water bodies (potential risk to aquatic organisms).

Note: Medical-grade products require additional purification to meet biosafety standards.