Copolymer of Maleic and Acrylic Acid Supplier South Africa

What Is Copolymer of Maleic and Acrylic Acid?

The copolymer of maleic acid and acrylic acid (MA/AA copolymer) is a low-molecular-weight anionic polyelectrolyte produced by free-radical copolymerisation of maleic acid or maleic anhydride with acrylic acid. The resulting copolymer combines the carboxylate groups from both monomers into a polymer chain with high density of chelating and dispersing functional groups. This high carboxylate density gives the copolymer superior scale inhibition performance compared to homopolymers of either acid alone, particularly for calcium sulfate and calcium phosphate scale — scale types that are more difficult to control than calcium carbonate with simple phosphonate inhibitors.

Scale Inhibition and Dispersancy in Cooling Water

In cooling water treatment, MA/AA copolymer is used at 5–20 mg/L as a scale inhibitor and particle dispersant. It threshold-inhibits calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, calcium phosphate, and zinc hydroxide scale. Its dispersant action prevents aggregation and deposition of particulate matter — including iron oxide (rust), clay, silt, and corrosion products — by adsorbing on particle surfaces and providing electrostatic repulsion, keeping particles in suspension where they can be bled out of the system. MA/AA copolymer is particularly effective in combined scale-and-dispersion treatment programmes and is compatible with zinc, phosphonate, and other common cooling water inhibitors.

Formulation in Blended Water Treatment Products

MA/AA copolymer is a standard component of commercial blended cooling water treatment products, where it is combined with organophosphonates (HEDP, ATMP), corrosion inhibitors, and biocides. It is also used in boiler water treatment to prevent scale and sludge deposition, and in oilfield injection water to prevent sulfate and carbonate scale. Terracore Chemicals supplies MA/AA copolymer as a 50% aqueous solution for water treatment programmes in Southern Africa.