Sodium acrylate

Sodium acrylate (CAS 7446-81-3) is the sodium salt of acrylic acid, used primarily as a monomer in the synthesis of superabsorbent and water-soluble polymers. Its ability to polymerize into high-molecular-weight chains makes it a foundational building block.

This chemical is essential for products that require controlled water absorption or viscosity management across multiple industries. In water treatment, sodium acrylate-based polymers function as flocculants and coagulants for efficient separation.

These polymers bind suspended solids in municipal and industrial effluent systems. Personal care formulators incorporate polymerized sodium acrylate as a rheology modifier in gels, creams, and thickened lotions where stable texture is required.

Superabsorbent polymers derived from this monomer are the core functional material in hygiene products such as diapers and adult incontinence pads. It provides the necessary capacity for moisture retention in these consumer goods.

In textile and paper processing, it is used to modify surface properties and improve wet-strength or fiber bonding in finished materials. This versatility makes it a staple in industrial manufacturing and material science.

The product is supplied as a white to off-white powder or as an aqueous solution, with concentration and purity varying by application. Technical grade is the most common commercial form for large-scale operations.

Higher-purity specifications are available for polymer synthesis applications requiring consistent monomer quality. Bulk quantities are standard for industrial production, with smaller packaging available for laboratory and specialty use.