Ammonium Polyacrylate is the name used in the INCI system for a chemical also known as ammonium polyacrylate or polyacrylic acid ammonium salt. The INCI nomenclature is used to standardize the names of substances that are used as ingredients in cosmetic formulations. Ammonium Polyacrylate is structurally derived from polyacrylic acid, and based on its chemical structure it is a derivative of this acid – an ammonium salt. This substance is a low molecular weight ammonium polyacrylate with excellent dispersing properties. Its use in chemistry results mainly from its properties, characteristic for anionic surfactants. The global numeric CAS ID for Ammonium Polyacrylate is 9003-03-6.
The pure component of the formulation, Ammonium Polyacrylate, is an aqueous solution of an ammonium salt of polyacrylic acid, with a concentration by weight of approximately 40%. Under normal conditions, i.e. at room temperature (20°C) and under atmospheric pressure, it has the form of a clear or slightly turbid liquid. It has a slightly yellowish colour. Its viscosity at 20°C is approx. 1000 cps (Brookfield, Rv, 50 rpm). The dry weight of this mixture is approx. 42–46%. The aqueous solution of Ammonium Polyacrylate, with a mass concentration of 10%, shows a neutral or slightly alkaline reaction of the environment and the pH indicator ranges between 7–9. The approximate molar mass of the molecule of Ammonium Polyacrylate molecule is 11,000 g/mol. The substance is fully compatible with many types of dispersions, including acrylic, styrene-acrylic and popular vinyl acetate homo- and copolymer dispersions. It also has no adverse effect on any of the popular rheology modifiers, i.e. agents regulating the viscosity of products. Ammonium Polyacrylate is a highly effective ingredient that is used even in low concentrations. The dispersion effect of the substance is based on the fragmentation of insoluble salts in aqueous solutions, thanks to which the processes in the aqueous medium are not disturbed. It has the ability to disperse ions, including calcium cations (Ca2+), which cause high water hardness.
Ammonium Polyacrylate has the ability to reduce foam formation. It is an excellent ingredient in the composition of pigment pastes, wood varnishes, water varnishes and other industrial applications. Commonly, Ammonium Polyacrylate is used in inorganic pigments in paints and plasters. Due to the full dispersion of fillers and inorganic pigments, it is used in paints with high solids content and systems with high PVC content, without agglomeration or viscosity increase. Ammonium Polyacrylate is also used in the production of adhesives and wallpaper pastes. Another aspect is its positive effect on improving the water resistance of paint coatings. It has remarkably high dispersing properties against titanium white and mineral fillers. Besides the compatibility with rheology modifiers, Ammonium Polyacrylate also spontaneously reduces the viscosity of aqueous suspensions of titanium white and mineral fillers. This is responsible for the possibility to introduce large amounts of pigment and fillers into the water system. The use of Ammonium Polyacrylate in the formulation of dyes increases the stability and compatibility of pigments in coloured products. Due to the very low content of volatile organic compounds (VOC), Ammonium Polyacrylate, in accordance with the provision of the Directive 2004/42/EC, can be used as a component of the composition of paint formulas. In cleaning formulations, in addition to being a detergent, it also prevents the precipitation of carbonate, phosphate and silicate crystals. Ammonium Polyacrylate can be used in cleaning baths, in which it disperses sediment and dirt, and prevents its redeposition on various surfaces, fibres, glass and dishes. Ammonium Polyacrylate is used in household and institutional chemicals, in washing agents and cleaning detergents.
