KR-445 is a low-molecular-weight homopolymer of acrylic acid (polyacrylic acid / PAA) designed as a high-performance antiscalant, dispersant, and builder for industrial and detergent applications. Its performance is defined by its optimized molecular weight of approximately 4,500 Daltons, which gives it a balanced profile of scale inhibition, particle dispersion, and compatibility.
Core Performance Properties
The performance of KR-445 is driven by its chemical structure as a polyacrylic acid homopolymer. Key attributes include:
Excellent Scale Inhibition: It is particularly effective against calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) scale, exhibiting “excellent” control. It also provides good to very good inhibition against calcium sulfate (CaSO₄), barium sulfate (BaSO₄), and silicates.
Superior Dispersancy: It functions as a powerful dispersant for insoluble inorganic matter like iron oxides, clay, and silt by adsorbing onto particle surfaces and preventing agglomeration.
Anti-Redeposition in Detergents: In laundry and cleaning formulations, it sequesters hardness ions (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺) and prevents soil particles from redepositing onto fabrics and hard surfaces.
Excellent Thermal and Chemical Stability: It remains stable under high temperatures and is compatible with oxidizing biocides (chlorine, bromine), making it suitable for rigorous water treatment regimes.
Technical Specifications (Typical Values)
The product is available in two primary liquid grades, which share a similar molecular weight but differ in their pH and form:
Parameter KR-445 (Acid Form) KR-445N (Sodium Salt Form)
Appearance Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid
Average Molecular Weight 4,500 Da 4,500 Da
Solid Content 48% min 45% min
pH (As Is) 3.0 – 4.5 6.0 – 9.0
Density (20°C) 1.20 g/cm³ min 1.30 g/cm³ min
Viscosity (20°C) 100 – 1,000 cps 300 – 1,300 cps
Primary Applications
KR-445’s performance makes it a versatile product suitable for several key fields:
Industrial Water Treatment: Used as a scale inhibitor and dispersant in recirculating cooling water systems for power plants, refineries, steel mills, and fertilizer facilities, as well as in boiler and air conditioning systems.
Detergents and Cleaners: Incorporated into liquid fabric washes, powder laundry detergents, automatic dishwashing (ADW) products, and industrial/institutional (I&I) surface cleaners.
Textile and Processing Auxiliaries: Applied for pigment dispersion, scale control in textile wet processing, and slurry stabilization.
Storage and Safety
Standard storage guidance for this product series includes:
Storage: Store for up to ten months in a cool, dry, and shady room. Keep containers tightly closed when not in use.
Safety: The product is not classified as a regulated hazard. However, standard chemical hygiene practices should be followed. In case of eye or skin contact, flush with plenty of clean water and seek medical advice if irritation persists.