| Names | |
|---|---|
| Preferred IUPAC name | 2-hydroxyethyl 2-methylprop-2-enoate |
| Other names | 2-HEMA Ethylene glycol methacrylate Glycolmonomethacrylate Hydroxyethyl methacrylate Methacrylic acid 2-hydroxyethyl ester |
| Pronunciation | /tuː haɪˈdrɒk.siˌiːθɪl məˈθæk.rɪ.leɪt/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 868-77-9 |
| Beilstein Reference | 635254 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:53097 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL14261 |
| ChemSpider | 20298 |
| DrugBank | DB02038 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03d2f056-3761-4d90-ac87-2b860b832b16 |
| EC Number | 211-982-0 |
| Gmelin Reference | 7159 |
| KEGG | C12260 |
| MeSH | D008117 |
| PubChem CID | 15407 |
| RTECS number | DM1225000 |
| UNII | 2UV3954E1Y |
| UN number | UN1993 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C6H10O3 |
| Molar mass | 130.14 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless transparent liquid |
| Odor | Slightly acrid |
| Density | 1.073 g/mL at 25 °C(lit.) |
| Solubility in water | miscible |
| log P | -0.16 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.03 mmHg (20°C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 13.08 |
| Basicity (pKb) | pKb: 5.70 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -6.68×10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.451 |
| Viscosity | 10 mPa·s |
| Dipole moment | 3.15 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | S⦵298 = 324.98 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -530.0 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -2186 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | No ATC code |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | May cause an allergic skin reaction. Causes serious eye irritation. |
| GHS labelling | GHS07, GHS05 |
| Pictograms | GHS02,GHS07,GHS08 |
| Signal word | Danger |
| Hazard statements | H315, H317, H319 |
| Precautionary statements | P264, P280, P305+P351+P338, P337+P313 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 2-1-1 |
| Flash point | 100°C |
| Autoignition temperature | 360 °C |
| Explosive limits | 3.0–12.0% |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 (oral, rat): 5,564 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): Oral Rat 5,564 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | SL4375000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) for 2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate: Not established. |
| REL (Recommended) | REL (Recommended Exposure Limit) for 2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate is: 1 mg/m³ |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | Unknown |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds | Methacrylic acid Ethylene glycol Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) Hydroxypropyl methacrylate Methyl methacrylate |
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | 2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate |
| IUPAC Name | 2-Hydroxyethyl 2-methylprop-2-enoate |
| Chemical Formula | C6H10O3 |
| CAS Number | 868-77-9 |
| Synonyms & Trade Names | HEMA; 2-HEMA; Hydroxyethyl methacrylate; 2-Hydroxyethyl 2-methylacrylate |
| HS Code & Customs Classification | 29161400, Methacrylic acid and its salts and esters |
Production relies on carefully sourced methacrylic acid and ethylene oxide or ethylene glycol, depending on the process technology. Feedstock quality influences impurity profile, with residual acids or glycols requiring monitoring. In production environments, raw material batch variability can impact downstream purification requirements and affects finished product compliance with optical, residual monomer, and water content criteria.
Esterification or transesterification routes predominate. The selection of reactor configuration, temperature, and catalyst system affects achievable purity and the risk for side reactions such as polymerization. Heat control and inhibitor dosing form principal control points. Incomplete conversion produces hydrolyzable ester by-products, which present challenges for applications requiring high monomer purity, such as contact lenses or specialty coatings.
Customers request specific monomer grades for medical, dental, adhesives, or coatings markets. Purity, color, inhibitor level, and water content exhibit grade dependency. For medical-grade HEMA, residual monomers, organic acids, and color bodies are monitored more strictly. Coatings-grade tolerates higher base impurity but requires consistent polymerization rate and UV stability.
Batch-to-batch quality is maintained by targeted in-process controls. Impurities such as methacrylic acid, ethylene glycol, and oligomers result from incomplete reactions or side reactions. Manufacturers adjust process parameters or implement additional purification steps where application specifications dictate. Chromatographic purity and refractive index remain under continuous surveillance to match specification sheets.
HEMA is sensitive to radical polymerization. Inhibitor addition is mandatory for storage and shipping, with phenolic or amine stabilizers dosed at levels specified by application, seasonal temperature, and transport duration. In-house guidelines define shelf-life based on ongoing stability data, which depend on container integrity and inhibitor performance. Open systems risk loss of stabilizer by volatilization or side reaction—periodic inhibitor checks are standard protocol.
HEMA’s reactivity profile (influenced by residual inhibitor and monomer purity) governs downstream blend performance with crosslinkers or co-monomers. For formulations requiring water solubility or UV transparency, color and purity must remain consistently within target ranges, impacting acceptance criteria set by both quality control and customer formulation teams.
In the production environment, 2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate most often comes out as a clear, pale liquid. Trace coloration can develop depending on storage age and raw material origin, especially in grades not intended for optical or medical applications. The product has a recognizably mild, ester-like odor. At room temperature, it remains mobile. Melting point and boiling range shift based on purity and residual monomer content, but producers supplying to the coatings or resins sector observe a boiling range suitable for solvent-free applications. Flash point and density are tested per internal protocols, with attention to grade-specific requirements, particularly for higher-purity or inhibitor-added forms.
Without inhibitor, spontaneous polymerization may occur, especially under elevated temperature or UV exposure. Peroxides formed during storage accelerate this risk. Producers maintain tight monitoring of peroxide levels, particularly during batch storage and transport. Customers seeking low-residue grades for biomedical uses often require tighter inhibitor control and shorter shelf cycles.
Industrial grades dissolve readily in alcohols and water, but solubility varies by impurity profile, especially for high-purity grades targeting lens or adhesive production. Mixing requires thorough agitation to avoid phase separation if solidification occurs due to low temperatures or extended storage.
Key specifications—appearance, color, acidity, residual monomer, water content, and degree of polymerization inhibition—differ significantly by application grade. Customers in electronics and biomaterials expect rigorous controls on color, acidity, and total volatiles. Paint and construction customers often focus on consistency in viscosity and polymerizable impurity levels.
Vendor selection for raw methacrylic acid and ethylene oxide dramatically impacts impurity levels, with process-specific profiles for inhibitors, peroxide residues, and oligomers. Impurity management depends on continuous in-process monitoring, especially at purification and distillation steps. Regulatory and customer constraints drive the selection of analytical techniques and risk-based limits.
Most plants use chromatography and titration for monomer and acid quantification. UV spectroscopy checks for inhibitor residuals. Quality control adapts test methods based on regional and downstream use-case requirements.
Methacrylic acid and ethylene oxide quality determine downstream performance and stability. Food, pharmaceutical, and specialty grades require segregated sourcing and dedicated storage to prevent cross-contamination. Bulk commodity formulations rely on stable supply-chain partners capable of meeting batch homogeneity and lot traceability demands.
Manufacturers favor direct esterification of methacrylic acid with ethylene oxide under controlled catalysis. Reaction temperature, catalyst dosing, and removal of byproduct water form the core of process optimization, adjusted for each product grade.
Critical control points include temperature ramp rate, inhibitor dosing, removal of polymerization hotspots, and management of peroxide formation. Purification typically employs multi-stage distillation, with carbon treatment or filtration steps for color-sensitive applications. Batch process adjustments occur based on continuous online and off-line monitoring data.
Quality release criteria reflect contract specifications and risk rankings determined by customer sector. Biomedical and high-reliability applications follow enhanced impurity and stability testing. Compatibility with intended downstream reaction or final use determines some release parameters.
2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate participates in radical polymerization and copolymerization, particularly for acrylate and methacrylate-based networks. Hydroxyl group reactivity enables further functionalization or cross-linking, responsive to production demands.
Common initiators include peroxides and azo compounds; temperature control and inhibitor pre-treatment ensure process safety. Solvent, catalyst, and process additives vary by customer application, especially for medical and optical grade producers who target high clarity and low extractables.
Customers employ 2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate in synthetic polymers for hydrogels, dental materials, coatings, adhesives, and contact lenses. The modification pathway and product profile shift with downstream sector: e.g., surfactant addition for specialty coatings or functionalization for biomedical uses.
Production sites store the product under nitrogen, in cool, shaded areas to minimize peroxide and polymer buildup. Container compatibility depends on storage length and grade: high-purity materials require lined drums or dedicated intermediate bulk containers. Light and heat both accelerate loss of stability.
Polyethylene-lined and stainless steel containers dominate manufacturer shipment choices. Cross-contamination with transition metals or residues from prior batches undermines long-term stability, triggering customer complaints, especially in sensitive application sectors.
Shelf life changes with storage temperature, inhibition control, and grade purity. Operators identify off-spec product through color change, viscosity increase, and odor shift.
Most forms require labeling for skin and eye irritation. Dust and vapor exposure controls tie to the monomer’s volatility and residual inhibitor system. Safety Data Sheets reflect plant-specific impurity and inhibitor contents.
Toxicological studies flag repeat or prolonged exposure as a risk for skin sensitization. Plant-level exposure monitoring uses local authority guidelines and periodic review of personnel health data. Custom workplace controls, PPE mandates, and site-specific training supplement general hazard labeling.
Production teams employ grounded equipment, local exhaust, and leak mitigation routines. Emergency procedures adapt to volume, containment infrastructure, and hazard classification as dictated by regional rules. Customer audits and recalls have shown that inconsistent inhibitor dosing or unrecognized peroxide buildup remain the most frequently cited root causes of off-spec shipments and near-miss incidents.
Annual production volumes for 2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate (HEMA) are dictated by upstream methacrylic acid and ethylene oxide access, reactor asset allocation per campaign, and utility reliability. Major installations rarely dedicate reactors solely to HEMA, as these units handle multiple acrylate and methacrylate monomers depending on contract obligations. Capacity expansion generally responds to multi-year supply contracts and is reviewed each annual planning cycle. Seasonality in feedstock availability may cause brief plant turnarounds, at which point inventory buffers are drawn down. Allocation to strategic accounts or recurring end-users takes precedence, particularly for electronics and medical-application grades, where batch-traceability is contractually required.
Standard contract lead times fluctuate due to campaign-based manufacturing. Spot orders may face longer waits in periods of tight capacity or during plant transitions. MOQs depend on grade: industrial bulk purchases typically start from 5 MT, while specialty grades for coatings, contact lenses, or dental composites may be processed in as little as 200–500 kg per batch, guided by contamination control and finishing requirements.
Commercial HEMA is filled in steel or HDPE drums, IBC totes, or bulk iso-tanks. Packaging selection often follows customer risk and exposure tolerance: for electronics and healthcare, single-use certified liners or argon overlay might be mandated to manage peroxide formation and limit moisture ingress. Purity-sensitive users require tamper-evident closures, lot traceability, and sometimes pre-rinsed containers validated to remove extractables.
Products ship under Incoterms as negotiated per customer region and compliance regime. For time-sensitive or high-purity grades, dedicated tankers or temperature-stabilized containers with anti-static provisions are arranged. Payment terms reflect risk profile, customer tenure, and regional financial practices, with LC at sight and net-30/60 prevalent for established partners, subject to credit approval. Export clearances may delay lead time in cases where HEMA is classified under strategic dual-use categories.
Raw material cost for HEMA production centers on methacrylic acid (or methyl methacrylate for esterification) and ethylene oxide. Market volatility for feedstock reflects energy costs, import tariffs, and safety legislation (notably ethylene oxide restrictions in key economies). Minor constituents include inhibitors, purification solvents, and specialty catalysts. Bulk pricing differences track purities, inhibitor type and content, and the degree of chromatographic or fractional distillation deployed. Violations in lot-to-lot raw material quality drive process adjustment costs upward.
Grade and application segment produce marked price differentials. General-purpose HEMA trades at commodity prices, but ultrapure monomer for biological matrices or optical polymers commands several multiples due to incremental purification and analytical release. Certification of packaging (cleanroom, pharma-grade), and required regulatory documentation (such as US Pharmacopeia/compendial conformance) adds to direct cost. Customers ordering small-lot certified grades see higher per-kilogram pricing reflecting changeover, validation, and documentation overhead.
Feedstock market disruptions—ethylene oxide allocation to sanitizer or glycols, methacrylic acid price swings fueled by refiner outages—remain the chief contributors to HEMA price adjustment. Regulatory changes in hazardous materials logistics can spike costs, for example when shipping rules for organic peroxides change. Premiums or discounts surface in response to bulk versus small-lot pack-out, additive levels, and demand surges in medical or electronics manufacturing.
Supply chains operate regionally, but Asia-Pacific continues as the dominant volume producer. The US and EU maintain integrated production with downstream coordination into specialty polymers. Overcapacity occasionally builds in Q3-Q4, driven by downstream slowdowns in construction, coatings, and automotives. Volatility in Asian energy markets transmits directly into international pricing as producers adjust FOB and CFR offers to stabilize margin.
United States: Domestic consumption leans toward acrylate and methacrylate monomers in adhesives and polymers. Shale-based ethylene capacities anchor strategic supply chains; tariffs and environmental permitting drive regional cost differences.
European Union: Strict REACH and workplace exposure legislation require extra traceability and drive compliance-related upcharges. Longer lead times stem from multi-country product stewardship audits.
Japan: Demands for clarity, trace metals, and organic purity press manufacturers for advanced QC and more frequent batch testing.
India: Growth in local capacity focuses on industrial grades; imports continue to support high-specification applications. Certification and validation for pharma use challenge domestic producers.
China: Domestic giants invest in backward integration. Export availability changes rapidly as internal demand cycles through coatings, adhesives, and medical production.
Industry forecasts, referencing supply-demand models and global economic outlooks, anticipate steady or slightly increasing HEMA pricing through 2026. Tightening environmental controls on ethylene oxide and greater demand from biomedical and electronics sectors exert upward price pressure. Price curves reflect cost pass-through of raw material and new regulatory compliance measures, especially in the EU and US, while regional supply chain shifts reduce arbitrage for commodity grades.
Analysis references aggregate capacity announcements from leading manufacturers, import-export statistics from government trade data, market price surveys by chemical indices, and commentary from regulatory authorities. Forecasting models draw on historical feedstock cost trends, consumption changes in end-use sectors, and documented regulatory impact studies.
Several large-scale expansions are underway in Asia-Pacific, driven by downstream investment in optical and medical materials. Western producers report ongoing upgrades to purification infrastructure to meet upcoming pharma and semiconductor materials requirements.
Ethylene oxide classification revisions in the EU and periodic updates to the US EPA's TSCA inventory place increasing emphasis on impurity disclosure and exposure risk management. REACH registration renewals periodically introduce altered data requirements for toxicological and environmental impact profiles. Packaging and transport standards evolve to account for increased scrutiny of peroxide formation in long-range shipments.
Manufacturers respond by investing in analytics to lower permissible impurity thresholds batch by batch, and updating supply agreements to clarify shelf-life, transportation mode, and incoming quality verification. Production departments adjust inhibitor dosing, storage protocols, and implement continuous monitoring for trace contaminant breakthrough. Quality control teams increase sampling rates, refine validation protocols, and standardize release criteria to protect downstream users and contractual obligations.
2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) serves as a building block in several value chains. Its reactive methacrylate group and hydrophilic hydroxyl group underpin its versatility. Production departments supplying HEMA encounter the following markets:
| Industry | Recommended Grade(s) | Key Parameters |
|---|---|---|
| Paints & Coatings | General Industrial | Color (APHA), acid value, inhibitor content |
| Contact Lenses, Hydrogels | Medical Device, High Purity | Trace metals, residual monomer, biocompatibility, low extractables |
| Adhesives & Sealants | General Industrial, Low Odor | Odor threshold, peroxide content |
| Composite Resins | Technical Grade, Polymer Grade | Monomer purity, viscosity, color |
| Electronic & Electrochemical | Specialty Ultra-Pure | Chloride, alkali/alkaline earth metals, electrical resistivity |
Each application expects distinct technical control. For composite and coatings production, color and inhibitor content influence yellowing and polymerization rate. Medical and electronic fields prioritize low levels of ionic impurities, monomer residue, and extractables, as these affect final product performance and regulatory acceptance. Adhesive formulation faces challenges in odor management and curing consistency, placing value on grade selection at the inhibitor and impurity level.
Each process downstream from HEMA places unique emphasis on performance or regulatory compliance. Assessment begins in technical teams by cataloging end-use—whether it is a hydrogel for biomedical devices or a bulk resin for architectural coatings.
Quality and regulatory compliance requirements diverge by geography and market sector. Manufacturing teams check region-specific standards, including ISO, USP, or food-contact regulations, where applicable. Medical-grade HEMA undergoes extra purification and documentation stages for biocompatibility.
Purity demands reflect downstream sensitivity: bulk resin grades typically tolerate wider impurity windows; optoelectronic or biomedical fields require reduced trace metals, residual solvents, and low color indices. Internal QC departments continuously qualify batches against the relevant release specification.
Raw material selection logic often weighs production scale and cost. Smaller batches destined for regulated or specialty sectors justify extended purification and analytical cycles, while commodity resin applications frequently benefit from standard grades for cost efficiency. Volume commitments also influence batch scheduling and lead time.
End-user validation closes the decision loop. Customers run in-house qualification trials and may request additional testing—such as extractable studies or custom impurity profiles. Manufacturer labs provide batch retain samples and technical support for process fit, reinforcing traceability from raw material to finished good.
Our approach to industrial-scale 2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate (HEMA) production centers on maintaining systemic quality management verified by independent third-party audits. Certification to standards such as ISO9001 signals adherence to well-documented process control, batch traceability, and continuous operational improvement. The production team audits raw material stream suitability, focusing on both monomer purity and the elimination of process contaminants common to acrylate-based monomers. Regular management reviews prioritize statistical process control for key impurity indicators critical to both oligomerization prevention and reactivity management in downstream polymerization.
Regulatory and statutory support for HEMA depends on the application sector and regional norms. Certification for biocompatibility or low extractables may be mandatory in dental, ophthalmic, or other medical-grade applications—supported by extended batch-release protocols, migration testing, and full-spectrum impurity profiling executed per customer-defined limits. Each grade is manufactured according to route selection matched to desired application sector, and respective substantiation is provided where specific registrations, such as REACH or applicable FDA standards, must be met for end-use.
Full documentation packages include certificates of analysis (CoA), comprehensive batch records, and impurity profiles recorded per internal control plans and customer requirements. For process or application risk assessment, technical teams can support disclosure with detailed process diagrams, supply chain origin attestations, and change-control notifications. All analytical data traceable to calibrated reference standards, allowing precise cross-batch comparison and deviation management. Custom documentation—stability protocols, containment validations, shipping condition control, or regulatory filing—will reflect the grade definition and negotiated agreements.
Our facilities maintain core production lines dedicated to HEMA monomer synthesis, equipped with continuous monitoring and redundancy schemes to support sustained output. Production planning aligns with mid- and long-term offtake agreements, with the intent of covering both regular partners and market-driven spot requirements. Key supply chain materials are dual-sourced, and all grades follow validated scale-up protocols before commercial transition. Contract terms can be structured to consolidate supply risk and adapt lead times when customer demand varies, including consignment stock for critical applications.
Scale and route flexibility deliver project-specific batch and campaign capabilities—ranging from small-volume high-specification HEMA for specialty polymerization to bulk lots for industrial resin producers. Production lines feature in-line polymerization inhibitor feed, fractional distillation for product polishing, and post-processing that can be tuned to minimize hydrolytic or residual monomer by-products. Each supply agreement is grounded in a shared process window and annual capacity review, always confirming output stability regardless of fluctuating demand cycles or feedstock logistics.
Application for HEMA samples begins with the intended use declaration and minimum technical requirements. The technical department reviews compatibility between requested specification and available in-house grade, verifying impurity controls and relevant safety or performance criteria. Where specific batch histories or reference data are needed, documentation accompanies each sample delivered. Timelines for sample production adjust to requested grade, application sector verification, and regulatory origin constraints.
Cooperation terms are not limited to fixed-quantity or yearly contracts. Customers can opt for scaled trial batches, rolling forecasts, or volume incentive structures. Integrated technical support is available for qualification runs, impurity troubleshooting, or formulation adaptation efforts. Process bays allow temporary shifts to alternative grades or adjusted purification levels per evolving project demand. All cooperation modes accommodate changes in logistics plans, technical support needs, or regulatory compliance targets; this flexibility is grounded in process analytics, rapid switch-over capability, and cross-trained production staffing. Regular communication with customer teams ensures project alignment and long-term reliability.
In our technical teams, precise control of HEMA’s residual monomer and low-level impurities draws continuous focus. Ongoing work targets further reduction of inhibitors and unreacted acrylics, as trace contaminants influence downstream polymerization, especially in medical, ophthalmic, and radiation-cured coatings sectors. For higher-purity requirements, strict raw material screening and multi-stage purification protocols are implemented, with each unit process benchmarked for impurity load.
Researchers concentrate on advancing functionalized derivatives that achieve higher compatibility in medical hydrogels, contact lenses, and tissue engineering. Copolymerization modifications—namely, block structures and crosslinker designs—see increased exploration to achieve controlled swelling, mechanical predictability, and cell encapsulation stability.
Emergence of UV-curable dental systems and next-generation biomedical coatings relies on HEMA’s reactivity and hydrophilicity, but downstream reaction profiles shift with grade variability. In waterborne adhesives and functional membranes, production grade determines feasibility for emulsion or solution polymerization processes. Advanced manufacturing approaches pair HEMA with silanol, phosphate, and PEG-derived moieties to address both biocompatibility and processability, often requiring end-user collaboration to match grade to performance parameters.
Monomer stabilization against spontaneous polymerization continues to demand robust inhibitor management. Equipment fouling arises quickly with marginal temperature or inhibitor dosing deviation. Recent breakthroughs in continuous distillation and high-vacuum stripping have improved removal of residual acrylic impurities, minimizing batch-to-batch swings. In copolymer or heteropolymer synthesis, reproducibility of conversion and clarity hinges on feedstock moisture levels and trace iron or copper presence—requiring tight upstream tanker and utility controls to safeguard label claims.
Demand from diagnostic and ophthalmic polymer markets shows steady growth, but regional regulatory regimes impact grade diversification. Asia-Pacific sees higher uptake in waterborne adhesives and dental composites, whereas North America medical device regulations drive low-impurity, biocompatible HEMA development. Over the next five years, supply reliability and doctoring flexibility for copolymer formulations will reshape value-add expectations—manufacturers equipped for both commodity and high-spec grades will likely maintain stronger market position.
Process optimization targets closed-loop recovery of monomer and solvents to cut batch losses and improve cost structure—integrated DCS and automated in-process analytics improve consistency for regulated markets. Enhanced inline monitoring for color, acid value, and inhibitor concentration supports narrow-spec manufacturing, which matters for sophisticated photopolymer and biomedical applications where downstream processing windows are unforgiving.
Mitigation of wastewater organics and solvent emissions stays central to process selection and equipment investments. Green chemistry approaches, such as bio-based ethylene oxide feedstocks and less toxic chain transfer agents, are seeing pilot adoption. Recovery of process water and spent inhibitor, plus integration of low-emission reactor designs, remains under technical investigation. Many end users demand full disclosure on residual solvents and lifecycle impact, so documentation and traceability systems continue to be strengthened.
Direct access to process engineers and chemists enables root cause analysis for process upset support, off-spec investigation, and batch-to-batch troubleshooting—especially in regulated formulations where trace impurity drift or viscosity swings cause loss of material. Regular customer audits are supported with detailed production and QA trail documentation, including reagent supplier traceability when medical or ISO certifications are a requirement.
Collaboration with polymerization, extrusion, and curing teams remains ongoing to optimize monomer integration for specific cure rates, crosslink density, or pigment interaction, as formulation behavior depends on the grade and inhibitor package. OEM technical teams are supplied with detailed lot history, in-process QC records, and application notes summarizing HEMA-to-initiator reactivity, refrigerator-stable storage conditions, and specific grade-dependent performance trends.
For every batch, customers receive a certificate of analysis aligned to either internal or mutually agreed release criteria. Ongoing support covers recall coordination, warranty-backed replacement, and expedited investigation response in case of manufacturing claim or formulation problem. Feedback loops drive corrective action, supporting long-term quality. Technical visits for troubleshooting, quality review, and process optimization reflect a full-cycle approach from pilot scale to full adoption.
Producing 2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate (HEMA) starts with rigorous control at every step of synthesis. Using proprietary reaction monitoring and in-process analytical checks, we stabilize monomer content and minimize residual impurities. Our plants run under strict atmosphere control, with automated batch logging that supports both scale production and repeatability. This direct oversight produces consistent lots batch after batch, with deviation rates traceable to below 0.2% based on our last annual audit.
HEMA fills roles across resin production, adhesives, coatings, and biomedical materials. Formulators in coatings and adhesives rely on our stabilized HEMA to support crosslinking reactions that set fast without unplanned polymerization. Manufacturers producing contact lens hydrogels and medical device polymers rely on clarity and purity at tight limits. Commercial printing ink producers and dental material companies run continuous production with our HEMA to support polymer networks that harden at predictable rates. Single-factory origin gives process engineers a straight road to technical feedback and incident traceability during production scale-up.
Direct control at each unit process stage—starting from esterification and vacuum stripping through to drumming—means we deliver HEMA within defined water and inhibitor levels. Inline GC-MS profiles trouble-spots before dispatch; finished batches are sampled for full spectrum analysis. Every released batch ties back to our master lot register, with full supporting trace documentation. By restricting raw material intake to hydroxyethyl sources that pass our own acceptance specs, we avoid outsider variability impacting your process yield.
Our production model supports over 7,000 tons annual output, with a packaging line that fills and seals ISO-compliant drums, IBC totes, or bulk ISO tanks onsite. Each packaging run closes with a dual inspection—one automated and one direct—to prevent unnoticed contamination. Temperature-sensitive orders for high-purity uses dispatch directly from factory storage under monitored conditions, with real-time shipment logs and load seal confirmation at pickup.
R&D and process teams deal directly with our technical specialists, not intermediaries. Troubleshooting for unexpected polymerization or crosslinking comes with detailed root-cause insights from chemists involved at the reactor level. We provide technical guidance for custom applications—such as adjusting initiator ratios or modifying UV-curing protocols—to support integration into unique formulations. Our documentation covers batch histories and analytical profiles, providing procurement and QA teams with the background needed during audits or certifications.
Working with a direct manufacturer strips away guesswork. Costing, lead times, and quality all reflect firsthand plant realities. Sourcing teams dealing with year-round demand benefit from production planning based on forward forecasts. Distributors seeking process transparency and auditors reviewing chain of custody gain direct access to original records and plant procedures. Decision-makers gain reliable batch availability and unbroken traceability from the reactor floor to the loading bay.
| Area | Direct Producer Control |
|---|---|
| Raw Material Approval | Factory-side sourcing with own QC release |
| Batch Consistency | Automated monitoring and lot-specific analytics |
| Quality Release | Full in-house lab verification; release only after meeting specs |
| Packing and Shipping | Final inspection at filling; real-time load tracking |
| Technical Support | Process chemists provide direct troubleshooting and optimization |
As the direct manufacturer of 2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate (HEMA), we see its value every day in high-performance polymer synthesis. Our work in controlled environments has shown that both chemical reactivity and reliable handling make a real difference in downstream applications. The chemical formula, C6H10O3, packs a dual-functionality structure—methacrylate and hydroxyethyl groups—central to engineered properties in polymer networks.
The methacrylate group in HEMA ensures rapid and efficient polymerization. In liquid resins, HEMA copolymerizes fast with other acrylic and methacrylate monomers under free radical initiation. This makes it a backbone material for both homopolymers and copolymers targeting medical, dental, and coating industries. The hydroxyl group imparts hydrophilicity—polymers with HEMA absorb water, swell predictably, and allow permeability. This quality shapes applications like hydrogels, soft contact lenses, adhesives, and biomedical coatings.
HEMA’s structure also supports further chemical modification post-polymerization. That extra hydroxy group takes functionalization well, so finished polymers can integrate bioactive compounds, increase lubricity, or gain antifouling properties based on end-use demands. From our factory floor to lab testing facilities, we have witnessed how these features translate into adaptable polymer architectures for our clients’ unique specifications.
Our technical team manages HEMA production with tight control over purity and stabilizer levels. As a clear, low-viscosity liquid, HEMA blends easily into pre-polymer mixtures and enables precision dosing across batch and continuous processes. Pure HEMA’s density and consistent flow mean resin manufacturers reach predictable outcomes without clumping or uneven mixing. In our filling lines, we keep product stabilized with polymerization inhibitors, extending shelf life and reducing the risk of hazardous auto-polymerization—a known concern across the industry.
Moisture content must stay in check. HEMA is hygroscopic; it absorbs atmospheric water, which can alter reactivity and final mechanical properties. We recommend sealed, UV-protective containers and storage in cool environments straight from our plant to your facility. Our standard packaging offers safe transport and minimizes contamination, setting a strong foundation for downstream purity and consistent polymer synthesis outcomes.
In our experience, HEMA’s predictable polymerization characteristics mean less batch rework and higher process yields. Viscosity remains low under ambient conditions, so our clients report streamlined pumpability and dosing—even when scaling from kilogram pilot batches to several-ton industrial runs. Polymer scientists tell us HEMA’s hydrophilic profile is central to designing moisture-wicking, flexible, and transparent end products. In the manufacture of biomedical resins, HEMA’s reactivity and functional compatibility enable robust sterilization and biocompatibility.
We continue investing in analytical controls to guarantee monomer purity, removal of residual inhibitors, and rigorous batch tracking. The result is HEMA that delivers repeatable results project after project. If you need detailed specifications, performance data, or practical guidance on working with HEMA in your polymer systems, our technical team provides direct support and field-proven insights based on decades of production experience.
For bulk users of 2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate (HEMA), securing a steady and reliable supply starts with clear knowledge of minimum order quantities and accurate lead times. As a manufacturer engaged in full-scale chemical production, we make every effort to ensure transparency and certainty in both areas, based on years of operating our own facilities and seeing customer operations depend on timely arrivals.
We produce HEMA in high-volume reactors, running continuous as well as batch processing to serve demand from coatings, adhesives, medical polymers, and other industries. For standard bulk business, our minimum order quantity reflects transport and packaging efficiencies—drums or intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) shipped by full pallet or FCL, not by the drum or litre.
Our minimum is anchored at one metric ton per order. At this volume, we manage storage, handling, curing, and regulatory controls without losing efficiency in scale. Freight in bulk loads reduces transit risk and maintains factory-direct pricing. Customers occasionally ask for partial drums or smaller lots for initial qualification, but quality controls and operational costs dictate we offer full tonnage as standard bulk.
Production lead time can create bottlenecks or build reliability, depending on planning accuracy and factory discipline. Our average lead time falls between 2 to 3 weeks from order confirmation, subject to prior commitments in our scheduling system and current raw material status. HEMA’s core raw materials—methacrylic acid and ethylene oxide—carry their own global volatility, so we maintain inventories that buffer against minor upstream delays but prioritize confirmed customer orders.
Shipping conditions, destination, and compliance reviews may impact dispatch dates, especially for overseas orders needing special customs or regulatory paperwork. Our experience tells us clear communication about specifications, packaging, and any additional testing lets us stick to promised timelines.
We set our minimums and lead times through direct hands-on experience. Maintaining tight process controls allows us to guarantee product purity and stability from reaction vessel to drum or IBC. Smaller quantities would compromise both product freshness and production priorities—the same equipment and time commitment applies, whether charging one batch or five, and quality verification must not be rushed.For planning, many plants rely on repeat patterns of demand, and fluctuations disrupt the scaling logic. We encourage customers managing long-term requirements to structure blanket or advanced orders so we can reserve reactor capacity at fixed intervals. This levels out swings and ensures we allocate both materials and manpower efficiently.
We recognize that industries using HEMA need both consistency and compliance. Our manufacturing runs under ISO-certified procedures and we invest in full traceability from batch blending to final shipment. Technical data sheets and certificates of analysis accompany each lot for downstream verification, with all product originating from our own lines—not a middleman in sight.
Our internal teams handle logistics and order entry, cross-checking production slots alongside regulatory requirements and customer-specific needs. With direct communication between the plant and our customers’ technical staff, we minimize misunderstandings that waste time or resources on both sides.
Sourcing HEMA directly from our factory means gaining predictability built on hands-on experience, physical investment in equipment, and an open-door approach to solving procurement challenges. We believe in setting clear minimums and realistic lead times, firmly rooted in years of practice, ongoing customer dialogue, and continuous improvement from production floor to loading dock.
From our standpoint as a direct producer of 2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate (2-HEMA), ongoing attention to international regulations comes directly from the realities of working with reactive monomers. The chemical’s potential to undergo uncontrolled polymerization under inappropriate conditions underscores the need for robust storage and handling measures. Our operations start from tank storage—everything is housed in stainless steel or lined vessels with nitrogen padding to keep oxygen out and moisture to a minimum.
Temperature stability remains crucial. 2-HEMA reacts noticeably to elevated temperatures or sunlight. Our warehouses are shaded, ventilated, and actively monitored to maintain room temperature. The material never comes in direct contact with heat sources, and all packaging utilizes UV-blocking drums. In our experience, governing standards such as REACH and TSCA are quite clear—producers must take steps to control exposure, prevent contamination, and address the risks of accidental polymerization.
From synthesis to sale, our technical team documents safety measures under ISO-certified protocols. In Europe, for example, classification under CLP dictates not only hazard pictograms but also regular training and written procedures for all warehouse and transport staff. Site audits include inspection of containment, spill response equipment, and proper use of inhibitor solutions like MEHQ to maintain shelf-life integrity.
It isn’t enough to just declare “store dry and cool”—we verify inhibitor levels in every batch, supply Certificates of Analysis, and keep Safety Data Sheets aligned with local language requirements. We have removed glass and standard steel containers from our packaging options after years of witnessing minor leaks and unwanted reactions in the supply chain. Now, our standard drums are heavy-gauge HDPE or specialized composite materials, clearly labeled under GHS rules and batch-traceable.
Shipping 2-HEMA means following rules set by ADR in Europe, IMDG for sea transport, and DOT in the US. Hazard labeling and MSDS compliance are enforced along the route. Logistics providers must complete annual chemical transport training, and regular drills are scheduled with local teams to simulate emergency response.
We inspect every outgoing shipment for drum integrity, label clarity, and documentation accuracy. All parties in the chain—whether at our loading terminal or the receiver’s warehouse—have access to ongoing technical support from our safety experts to ensure understanding of containment procedures. Our export crates receive additional bracing and waterproofing during monsoon or cold storage periods to prevent condensation and thermal swings.
Through direct engagement with regulatory bodies, we remain alert to evolving legal frameworks and periodically update standard operating procedures as new directives emerge. Our R&D group collaborates with packaging suppliers for further improvements in containment technology, aiming for safer, more sustainable transport options.
Over the years, the importance of shared knowledge has proven essential. We supply global customers with onsite training materials, updated safety documentation, and recommendations based on changes in international law. By viewing compliance as an ongoing commitment—not simply a requirement—we create safer workplaces and help customers maintain their own high standards when using our materials.
For product inquiries, sample requests, quotations or after-sales support, please feel free to contact me directly via sales3@ascent-chem.com, +8615365186327 or WhatsApp: +8615365186327
