PAA (Polyacrylic Acid) is a harmless and water-soluble chemical compound, it can be used in alkaline and high concentration situations.
PAA is an anionic polymer, a polyelectrolyte, with the ability to absorb and retain water and swell to many times its original volume. These properties - acid-base and water-attracting - are the basis of many applications.
PAA is widely used in dispersants. Its molecular weight has a significant impact on its rheological properties and dispersion capacity, and hence applications. The dominant application for PAA is as a super absorbent. About 25% of PAA is used for detergents and dispersants.