Polyacrylate solution compatibility

PEG and its conjugates are not compatible with other hydrophilic polymers such as polyacrylic acid and polyvinyl alcohol. The incompatibility is related to competitive affinity for water molecules through hydrogen bonding. Most formulations of PEG-proteins are prepared as solutions or lyophilized powders. The following decision tree (Scheme 1) illustrates the formulation options that are available. 

A notable apphcation of polyacrylic acid is for cements in dentistry. These are made by mixing an aqueous solution of the polymer with zinc oxide when the zinc salt precipitates as a highly cross-linked gel that rapidly sets to a hard mass under oral conditions. In a variation of this reaction, the zinc oxide is replaced with a tooth-colored glass powder that releases Al and Ca ions. These cements, called ASPA (aluminosihcate polyacryhc acid) or glass ionomer, set very rapidly, bond well to tooth enamel, and are compatible with hving tissue. 

Polyacrylate leveling additives are homopolymers or copolymers of acrylates with alkyl, polyester or polyether modifications. They are normally supplied as solvent-free materials or as solutions. The performance of these additives is tailored through variations in their chemical composition (polarity and type of monomers) and MW, because their solubility and compatibility in coatings are dependent on these factors. Linear acrylic polymers are more incompatible than branched ones and those with higher MW are more incom-... 

Swain, S.K., Prusty, G., and Das, R. (2012) Sonochemical compatibility of polyvinyl alcohol/polyacrylic acid blend in aqueous solution. J. Macromol. Sci. Part B Phys.,... 

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