Using FT-NIR Spectroscopy for Analysis of Acrylic Acid Ester

FT-NIR technology can be used to provide a fast, simple and low-cost alternative for QA/QC product lot certification and release.

Wood coating

Overview

Formed by the reaction of acrylic acid with alcohols, acrylic acid esters are typically used as reactive monomers in energy curable coatings, varnishes and inks. Acrylic acid ester products are commonly characterized and certified by their hydroxyl value (OHv), acid value (Av) and viscosity (Visco). OHv and Av can indicate synthesis completion, while Visco allows the molar mass of the produced monomers to be estimated.

Typical wet-chemical laboratory reference methods for acrylic acid esters are slow, tedious and costly. This study aims to carry out quantitative analysis of acrylic acid esters using FT-NIR spectroscopy tp evaluate the Av, Ohv and Visco.

Application Details

Method

• Detector: DTGS
• Instrument: MB3600
• Analysis temperature: 30 °C (86 °F)
• Sampling technique: 8 mm disposable glass
• Resolution: 16 cm^-1
• Number of scans: 128
• Spectral region: 4,800 to 9,250 cm^-1

Results

Av lot (actual vs predicted)

OHv plot (actual vs predicted)

Low Visco plot (actual vs predicted)

High Visco plot (actual vs predicted)

MB3600 spectrometer used with the ABB universal vial holder. Image Credit: ABB Ltd.

Key Benefits

• Multi-component testing on a single sample
• Enables identification of chemical and physical properties
• Rapid results (under 60 seconds)
• Low cost per analysis
• Replaces slow ‘wet chemical’ methods
• Does not require consumables, reagents, or solvents

Conclusion

The results of this experiment show that the OHv, Av and Visco in acrylic esters can be successfully analyzed using FT-NIR spectroscopy. Using this methodology, no sample preparation is required, resulting in a fast, simple and low-cost alternative for QA/QC product lots certification and release.

This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by ABB Analytical Measurements.

For more information on this source, please visit ABB Analytical Measurements.