Polyacrylic Acid (PAA) is a polymer with a variety of roles and a wide range of applications. The following are some of its main roles and uses:
1. Water treatment: PAA can form stable compounds with metal ions in water such as calcium and magnesium, etc. It has excellent dispersing effect and can be used in industrial wastewater treatment, electrolysis of brine and separation of red mud .
2. Superabsorbent: PAA and its derivatives are used to make superabsorbent, which can absorb liquid more than 100 times of its own weight and are widely used in personal hygiene products such as diapers.
3. Biocompatible materials: Neutralized polyacrylic gels are biocompatible matrices for medical applications, such as gels for skin care products, and can also be deposited on orthopedic implants to protect them from corrosion.
4. Paints and Cosmetics: PAA is used in paints and cosmetics to stabilize suspended solids in liquids, prevent emulsion separation, and control the consistency of cosmetic flow.
5. Hydrogel field: PAA hydrogels are used as bandages and wound healing aids and have attracted extensive research .
6. Thickeners: PAA with molecular weight of 5000–10000 mainly acts as a thickening agent and is used as a thickener for acidified solutions and cosmetics.
7. Detergents and dispersants: About 25% of PAA is used in detergents and dispersants to help isolate dirt.
8. Paints and inks: PAA can increase the impact resistance and durability of coatings, and is used to prepare high-quality inks with good fluidity and adhesion .
9. Plastic products: As a plastic raw material, PAA has good transparency, chemical resistance and heat resistance, and is used in the manufacture of a variety of plastic products.
10. Fibers and textiles: PAA is used to enhance the strength and durability of fibers, making textiles stronger and more durable.
These roles and uses of polyacrylic acid reflect its importance and versatility in different industrial sectors.