Methylenebisacrylamide

Methylenebisacrylamide (CAS 110-26-9), commonly abbreviated as MBA, is a bifunctional crosslinking monomer used to build three-dimensional polymer networks. It links polymer chains during free-radical polymerization. This chemical controls gel structure, swelling behavior, and network density in the final material. In polyacrylamide gel production, MBA determines crosslink density, making it a critical input for electrophoresis gels.

These gels are used extensively in laboratory and diagnostic manufacturing. Personal care formulators incorporate it into superabsorbent hydrogel systems and crosslinked thickeners where controlled water retention is required. Polymer manufacturers use MBA to produce ion-exchange resins and water treatment gels. In these applications, network tightness directly affects ion selectivity and capacity for industrial filtration systems.

It also functions as a crosslinker in contact lens materials and drug delivery matrices. Precise swelling ratios are a specification requirement for these high-performance medical and pharmaceutical applications. MBA is supplied as a white crystalline powder. Technical and high-purity laboratory grades are the most commonly available, with purity levels typically at 99% or above for demanding polymerization.

Packaging ranges from small quantities for laboratory and specialty formulators to bulk bags for industrial polymer producers. This ensures flexibility for both research and large-scale manufacturing needs.