Determination and quantification of acrylic acid derivatives

Determination and Quantification of Acrylic Acid Derivatives

Significance of the Topic

Acrylic acid derivatives are key building blocks in paints adhesives plastics and textiles and potential residual monomers can pose health risks due to skin and eye irritation. Accurate monitoring is therefore essential in quality control and consumer safety.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study aimed to establish a reliable HPLC method to quantify four common acrylate monomers in polymer matrices. The compounds under investigation were methyl methacrylate 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate ethylhexyl acrylate and isobornyl acrylate.

Materials and Methods

Gradient reversed phase HPLC was performed using a C18 column at 40 °C and 1 mL per minute flow. A three solvent gradient with water phosphoric acid acetonitrile and tetrahydrofuran separated polar and nonpolar acrylates. Detection was carried out at 210 nm with a diode array detector. Calibration curves covered 0.001 to 0.02 mg per mL.

Used Instrumentation

• Pump AZURA P 6.1L quaternary LPG
• Autosampler AZURA AS 6.1L
• Detector AZURA DAD 2.1L
• Column Eurospher II 100-3 C18 150 x 4.6 mm with precolumn
• Column thermostat AZURA CT 2.1
• Software ClarityChrom 7.2

Main Results and Discussion

All four monomers were baseline separated. Limits of detection ranged from 0.022 to 0.075 microgram per mL and limits of quantification from 0.07 to 0.25 microgram per mL. Calibration showed linearity across the tested range. The two step gradient allowed elution of residual polyacrylates in a wash step enhancing column cleanliness.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Robust separation of polar and nonpolar acrylates
• Low detection limits suitable for regulatory compliance and QC
• Simplified sample preparation and reduced analysis time
• Versatile method for adhesives coatings and polymer materials

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advances may include coupling to mass spectrometry for structural confirmation online monitoring in production and the use of greener solvents and shorter columns for faster throughput. Automation of data processing and increased method sensitivity will further expand application in environmental and bioanalytical fields.

Conclusion

The developed HPLC method provides reliable quantification of key acrylic acid derivatives with high sensitivity and clear separation. Its straightforward gradient design and robust instrumentation support routine analysis in research and industrial laboratories.

References

1. basf acrylic monomers portal
2. Fraunhofer Institut fuer Fertigungstechnik und Angewandte Materialforschung IFAM