Overview
Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate (HEMA) is an ester of methacrylic acid and ethylene glycol, serving as a versatile monomer in polymer chemistry. It is particularly valued for its ability to form hydrophilic polymers, making it indispensable in medical and dental applications. HEMA's unique structure allows it to copolymerize with other monomers, enabling tailored material properties. Its commercial production involves esterification of methacrylic acid with ethylene oxide, followed by purification to achieve high purity grades suitable for sensitive applications.
Physical and Chemical Properties
HEMA is a colorless to slightly yellow liquid with a characteristic ester-like odor. It exhibits high solubility in water and common organic solvents, facilitating its use in aqueous and solvent-based formulations. The monomer's reactive double bond and hydroxyl group enable crosslinking and functionalization. Key chemical properties include its susceptibility to polymerization (often inhibited with MEHQ), UV curability, and compatibility with acrylic systems. Its viscosity (approximately 5-7 cP at 25°C) and low volatility make it manageable in industrial processes.
Main Applications
HEMA is a cornerstone in adhesive formulations, particularly for dental composites and orthopedic bone cements, where its hydrophilicity improves biocompatibility. In coatings, it enhances adhesion to substrates and provides scratch resistance. The medical field utilizes HEMA in hydrogel contact lenses and wound dressings due to its water-retention capacity. Emerging applications include 3D printing resins and drug delivery systems, leveraging its tunable polymerization kinetics and mechanical properties.
Safety and Storage
HEMA requires careful handling due to its skin and eye irritation potential. Always use nitrile gloves, goggles, and fume hoods. Storage should be in amber glass or HDPE containers under nitrogen atmosphere to prevent premature polymerization. Inhibited grades (typically 200-300 ppm MEHQ) are recommended for extended shelf life. Avoid contact with strong oxidizers and peroxides, which may initiate uncontrolled exothermic reactions. Spills should be contained with inert absorbents.
B2B Procurement Guide
When sourcing HEMA, prioritize suppliers with ISO certification and batch-specific COAs. Key specifications to verify include purity (≥98%), inhibitor content, and absence of heavy metals. Bulk shipments should be in stainless steel or lined containers to prevent contamination. For niche applications (e.g., medical grade), request biocompatibility testing data. Consider regional logistics—HEMA is classified as a hazardous material (UN 1993), requiring proper transport documentation. Sample testing for polymerization performance is advisable before large-scale purchases.
Related Manufacturers
- 主营：乙二醇、丙二醇、精对苯二甲酸、二甲基亚砜、己二酸、聚乙烯醇、聚乙二醇、木质素、甘油、三甘醇、己内酰胺、叔十二硫醇、白油、对苯二甲酸二甲酯、4-丁二醇
- 主营：甲基丙烯酸四氢糠基酯、精细化工品、润滑油、有机中间体
- 主营：全氟三丁胺、全氟三乙胺、全氟三丙胺、全氟聚醚、全氟萘烷、全氟己酮、羟基磷灰石、生物活性玻璃、布洛芬、溴壬烷、磷酸铵、甲乙基、褪黑素、嘧啶钠、莪术油、显色剂、叔丁醇、茜素红、乙氧基、异戊醇、脯氨酸、茚三酮、氯唑沙
- 主营：阻燃剂、乙酸镍、乙酸镝、甲基丙烯酸氢糠酯、硫酸锂、硫酸锶、溴氨酸、香茅醇、肌氨酸、锂电池、四氢萘、磷酸铬、碳酸镁、碳酸镍、防冻剂、磷酸铝、叔丁醇、氟苯基、浮选剂、稀释剂、羟乙基、去除剂、庚二酸、除磷剂、十八烯、蛋白酶
- 主营：叔碳酸、十八醛、溶菌酶、2-甲基丁醛、海藻糖、癸二醇、氨基丙基、氢路噻嗪、邻苯二甲、乙基碳二、羟基癸酸、正十七烷、谷胱甘肽、烷二甲醇、松果体素、vc磷酸酯镁、朱栾倍半萜、丁烷四乙酸、表面活性剂、癸烷撑二醇、缩水甘油邻、10-羟基羊蜡酸、氢氯噻嗪杂质、盐酸邻菲罗啉、壳聚糖季铵盐
- 主营：高铁酸钾
- 主营：花生酸、碳酸钠、单氟磷酸钠、丁基羟基茴香醚、鱼大豆酵母原料
- 主营：甲基丙烯酸氢糠酯、化工中间体、生物缓冲剂、实验试剂助剂
- 主营：丙烯酸单体、全氟三丁胺、乙二醇二缩水甘油醚、甲基丙烯酸十八酯、催化剂、催干剂、环氧稀释剂、增塑剂、偶联剂、交联剂、橡胶塑料助剂、电镀电子科技材料、丙烯酸酯类
- 主营：甜菊糖、氯乙酰、二乙苯、甲基丙烯酸氢糠酯、酞菁绿、阻燃剂、4316-73-8、二戊烯、单甲醚、硫酸锂、4861-19-2、大理石、1192-62-7、羊脂酸、7783-40-6、磷酸氢、8002-74-2、7782-61-8、龙脑油、2842-44-6、聚甘油、二聚酸、戊二醇、聚醚f68、磺化油、1310-58-3
- 主营：DMF、DMAC、二丙酮醇、四甲基胍、马来酸酐、丙二醇、乙二醇、甲酸、甲醇、十二醇、柠檬酸、己二醇、甘油、四氢呋喃、碳酸丙烯酯、吐温、无水氯化钙、乙酸乙酯、氢氧化钠、二乙醇胺、司盘、过硫酸钠、氧化钙、氯化钾
- 主营：橡胶油、白芷油、7782-92-5、二甲基、pbtcaona4、艾叶油、桉树醇、2905-60-4、5989-81-1、重质苯、活性炭、1305-62-0、1192-62-7、安息油、9005-32-7、正辛烷、7775-27-1、8050-09-7、1739-84-0、7786-30-3、黄糊精、6920-22-5、三辛胺、1897-52-5、7727-21-1
- 主营：甲基丙烯酸氢糠酯、苄基丙酮
- 主营：可分装样品、4-乙酰基吡啶、反-金合欢醇、丁炔二酸二甲酯
- 主营：中间体、表面活性剂、烷基糖苷、十七烯基胺乙基咪唑啉