Methacrylic acid

Methacrylic acid (CAS 79-41-4), commonly abbreviated as MAA, is a reactive monomer and organic acid used as a foundational building block in polymer synthesis.

Where is Methacrylic acid used?

• Plastics and polymer manufacturing: copolymerized with acrylates, styrene, or vinyl monomers to produce resins with controlled adhesion, flexibility, and pH-responsive behavior
• Coatings, adhesives, and ion-exchange materials: rely on these characteristics
• Personal care: carbomer-type thickeners, film formers, and fixative resins in haircare and skincare
• Specialty coatings and dispersions: MAA content determines carboxyl group density, influencing crosslink density and substrate adhesion in industrial finishes
• Pharmaceutical and controlled-release applications use MAA copolymers to engineer enteric coatings that govern drug release profiles.
• Precursor for esters, especially methyl methacrylate (MMA) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA).
• Raw material for synthetic rubber.
• Used to produce water-soluble polymers.

Good to know: Typically supplied with inhibitor added to prevent premature polymerization during storage and transport.

Formulation notes

• In copolymers, at low levels (≤5%), improves latex stability, adhesive properties, wettability, and pigment dispersion, and also allows post-crosslinking reactions.
• Unlike GAA, it does not form a thermal dimer over time.

Typical specification

• Offered with a minimum purity of 99%.
• Available in stabilized and glacial forms.
• Sold in a grade intended for synthesis.

Regulatory status

• Classified for transport as UN Class 8, Packing Group II.
• KKDIK registration obligation applies when manufactured or imported at 1 tonne or more per year.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Must be stored cold and protected from light in a well-ventilated area.
• Requires special attention to prevent freezing because the crystallized monomer does not contain inhibitor and the solid lacks inhibitor and oxygen.

Frequently asked questions about Methacrylic acid

What is the HS code for methacrylic acid?

Methacrylic acid is classified under HS code 29161310.

Is methacrylic acid subject to Turkish chemical regulations?

Methacrylic acid is a chemical substance within the scope of the Turkish KKDIK Regulation.

What monomers can be copolymerized with methacrylic acid?

Methacrylic acid copolymers can be prepared with acrylic and methacrylic esters, acrylonitrile, maleic acid esters, vinyl acetate, vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride, styrene, butadiene, ethylene, and other monomers.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.