Acrylic Acid-2-Acrylamido-2-Methylpropane Sulfonic Acid Copolymer (AA/AMPS) is a water-soluble polycarboxylic antiscalant and dispersant synthesized by copolymerizing acrylic acid (AA) with 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS). Its molecular structure combines the scale-inhibiting carboxyl groups from acrylic acid with the strongly polar sulfonic acid groups from AMPS.
Key Properties and Mechanism
Dual Functional Groups: The carboxyl groups provide excellent scale inhibition and dispersion capabilities, while the sulfonic acid groups enhance calcium tolerance and salt resistance .
Superior Scale Inhibition: It shows significant inhibitory effects on calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, zinc scale, and iron oxide deposition, with particularly high efficiency against calcium phosphate scaling . A study found that at a concentration of 30 mg/L, the scale inhibition rate for Ca₃(PO₄)₂ and CaSO₄ approached nearly 100% .
Excellent Dispersing Ability: It effectively disperses particles in water, preventing them from depositing on equipment surfaces .
Main Application Areas
Industrial Water Treatment: As a scale inhibitor and dispersant in open recirculating cooling water systems, oilfield wastewater reinjection systems, and metallurgical circulating water systems . It is especially suitable for high pH, high alkalinity, and high hardness water quality, helping to achieve high concentration ratios .
Synergistic Formulation: When compounded with organophosphorus compounds (such as HEDP, ATMP) or zinc salts, the synergistic effect is significant, and it is suitable for pH conditions of 7.0 to 9.5 .
Other Fields: Also used as a textile printing and dyeing auxiliary agent and a scale inhibitor for papermaking pulp systems .
Typical Physical and Chemical Indicators
Parameter Typical Value
Appearance Colorless to light yellow viscous liquid
Solid Content ≥ 30.0%
Density (20°C) ≥ 1.05 g/cm³
pH (1% aqueous solution) ≤ 2.5
Free Monomer (as AA) ≤ 0.2%
Safety and Storage
Safety: The product is acidic and corrosive. Avoid contact with skin and eyes during handling. In case of contact, rinse immediately with plenty of water .
Storage: Store in a cool, ventilated, and dry place indoors. The shelf life is generally twelve months .