The main difference between PAA (polyacrylic acid) and PAAS (polyacrylic acid sodium salt) lies in their chemical composition and form.
- Chemical composition: PAA is a polymer composed of acrylic acid monomers. It is a synthetic, water-soluble polymer with carboxyl functional groups (-COOH) along the polymer chain. On the other hand, PAAS is the sodium salt of PAA, where the carboxyl groups of PAA are neutralized by sodium ions. So, PAAS contains the same polymer backbone as PAA but with sodium ions attached to the carboxyl groups.
- Form: PAA is typically produced as a liquid or solid (powder) form. It is commonly used as a dispersant, scale inhibitor, or thickening agent in various industries. PAAS, being the sodium salt of PAA, is also available as a solid (powder) or liquid form, but it is more commonly found in the liquid form. PAAS is widely used as a sequestrant, dispersant, or chelating agent in applications such as water treatment, detergents, and personal care products.
The choice between PAA and PAAS depends on the specific application and the desired properties or functionality required. PAAS, as the sodium salt of PAA, offers improved water solubility and stability in alkaline conditions compared to PAA. However, both PAA and PAAS share similar characteristics and can be used as effective additives for various purposes.