Introduction

HEMA (2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate, CAS 868-77-9) is arguably the most widely recognized hydroxy-functional monomer in the global polymer industry. This DECHEM guide is written for formulators, resin producers, distributors and procurement teams who need a practical view of HEMA: what it is, where it adds value, what to compare on a TDS/SDS/COA, and how to validate a grade before commercial adoption. Exact specifications and regulatory requirements should always be confirmed against current official product documents.

Technical Context

Unlike acrylate analogs, HEMA features a methacrylate backbone with an alpha-methyl group (-CH3) next to the double bond. That methyl group sterically shields the polymer chain, raising homopolymer Tg to about +55°C and delivering superior hydrolytic stability, mechanical rigidity, optical clarity and weatherability compared with 2-HEA. The terminal primary hydroxyl group still provides active crosslinking sites for isocyanates, melamine and epoxy systems, but cure is slower and harder than with 2-HEA. Product selection should match the desired film hardness, cure speed and end-use durability.

Industrial Applications

Typical downstream areas include high-solid thermosetting acrylic coatings, automotive OEM and refinish clearcoats, coil coatings, biomedical hydrogels (soft contact lenses), dental adhesives and composites, emulsion polymers and industrial adhesives. In every case, HEMA contributes hardness, optical clarity and long-term dimensional stability that acrylates cannot match.

Buyer Focus: What to Compare on TDS / SDS / COA

When evaluating HEMA from different suppliers, compare the current TDS, SDS and representative COA side by side, paying attention to:

  • Identity and CAS: confirm 2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate, CAS 868-77-9, molecular weight 130.14 g/mol.
  • Assay (GC purity): industrial grade ≥ 98.5–99.0%, high-purity / optical grade ≥ 99.5%.
  • Moisture (KF): ≤ 0.15 wt% standard; ≤ 0.05% for optical / medical grade.
  • Color (APHA / Pt-Co): ≤ 15 standard; ≤ 10 for optical clear products.
  • Inhibitor (MEHQ): 150–250 ppm standard; 50–100 ppm for optical / low-inhibition grades.
  • Impurity limits: EGDMA and DEGMA by-products should be specified, especially for optical / adhesive grades.
  • Packaging and storage: drums (200 kg), IBC (1,000 kg), ISO tank; store 15–25°C, away from sunlight.
  • Batch traceability: COA must reference a production lot number.

Application and Validation

Before commercial adoption, reproduce the intended process in a controlled trial. Record raw-material lot numbers, addition sequence, temperature profile, polymerization conversion, cure schedule and finished-product properties (hardness, gel fraction, optical transmittance, haze, adhesion). With this data on file, any future supplier or grade change — for example, switching from industrial to optical grade — can be evaluated objectively.

B2B Buying Checklist

For a smooth HEMA purchase, confirm with the supplier before PO issuance:

  • Product identity and current technical grade (standard, high-purity, optical, low-MEHQ).
  • Quantity and packaging (drums / IBC / ISO tank).
  • Destination port and Incoterm (FOB Qingdao, CIF, DAP, etc.).
  • Delivery window and production slot availability.
  • Documentation: batch COA, 16-section SDS, packing list, commercial invoice, certificate of origin.
  • Sample approval status (pre-shipment samples available on request).
  • Customer-specific acceptance criteria (e.g. tighter color, lower EGDMA).
Important: HEMA and 2-HEA are not interchangeable in most formulations. Comparing price per kg across monomers is misleading — the relevant comparison is cost per finished part at the required performance.

Conclusion

For HEMA CAS 868-77-9 properties, specifications and uses, the best purchasing decision combines application fit, consistent quality, clear documentation and dependable supply. DECHEM supplies HEMA and the full hydroxy acrylic monomer range (2-HEA, 2-HPA, HPMA) to international B2B customers from our Shandong manufacturing base, exported from Qingdao. Final purchasing specifications should always be based on the latest official documents and the customer's own validation.

Related DECHEM Products

2-HEA | HEMA | 2-HPA | HPMA

B2B Inquiry

For current TDS, SDS, representative COA availability, packaging information and quotations, use the DECHEM inquiry channel — our technical sales team replies within one business day.