Industrial grade 30% 18%POLYSTYRENE SULFONIC ACID CAS 28210-41-5

Polystyrene Sulfonic Acid — Product Detail Page

1. Product Overview

Polystyrene sulfonic acid (PSSA; CAS 28210-41-5) is a strong-acid polyelectrolyte — a vinyl polymer whose aromatic side rings carry sulfonic acid (−SO₃H) groups, idealized as (CH₂CHC₆H₄SO₃H)ₙ. In aqueous solution it behaves as a fully dissociated strong acid , which makes it the functional heart of cation-exchange resins, solid acid catalysts, proton-exchange membranes, electroconductive and antistatic formulations, and a range of construction and textile additives. It is supplied as amber aqueous solutions (18–30 wt%) of linear water-soluble polymer, or as crosslinked insoluble resin in the hydrogen-ion form. The combination of a processable vinyl backbone with the strongest of organic acid functions gives PSSA exceptional versatility across water treatment, catalysis, energy and specialty materials. Supplied with full COA.

Core value propositions:

● Strong-Acid Polyelectrolyte: fully dissociated sulfonic acid groups for ion exchange and catalysis;

● Cation-Exchange Workhorse: H⁺-form and Na⁺-form resins for softening, demineralization and binding;

● Proton & Electron Transport: backbone for proton-exchange membranes and conductive/antistatic systems;

● Solution & Resin Forms: linear water-soluble polymer or crosslinked insoluble resin per application.

2. Product Information (Quick Facts)

3. Chemistry & Structure

Polystyrene sulfonic acid is a strong-acid polyelectrolyte: a vinyl polymer whose phenyl side groups carry sulfonic acid (−SO₃H) functions, idealized as (CH₂CHC₆H₄SO₃H)ₙ. The sulfonic acid group is one of the strongest organic acid functions — essentially fully dissociated in water — which gives the polymer a low pH , the ability to neutralize bases, and the capacity to donate protons for catalysis. Each repeating unit contributes one fixed negative charge site (the sulfonate anion), so the polymer is a cation exchanger: in the hydrogen form it binds cations and releases protons, while in the sodium form it exchanges sodium for hardness ions such as calcium and magnesium. The polymer backbone is the same flexible vinyl chain as polystyrene, so the material combines polymer processability with the strong-acid, ion-exchange functionality of sulfonated aromatic rings. Linear (uncrosslinked) chains are water-soluble polyelectrolytes; crosslinked networks are insoluble resins that swell in water without dissolving. Because the acid groups are permanently attached to the polymer backbone, the material delivers strong-acid behavior in a reusable, non-volatile, solid or solution form.

4. Key Features & Benefits

● Strongest organic acid functionality: fully dissociated sulfonic groups for ion exchange and catalysis.

● Cation-exchange capacity: fixed negative charge sites bind and exchange cations efficiently.

● Dual delivery forms: water-soluble linear polymer or crosslinked insoluble resin.

● Proton transport: backbone for proton-exchange membranes and conductive systems.

● Reusable solid acid: heterogeneous acid catalyst that can be separated and recycled.

● Broad compatibility: miscible with water and polar solvents for easy formulation.

● Consistent quality: solid content, viscosity and pH controlled on every batch.

5. Main Applications

5.1 Ion Exchange & Water Treatment (Core Application)

Cation-exchange is the classical and largest use of sulfonated polystyrene:

● Water softening: Na⁺-form resin removes calcium and magnesium from hard water.

● Demineralization: H⁺-form resin for deionization and process-water treatment.

● Cation binding: selective removal of metal cations (e.g., potassium, calcium, sodium) from solutions.

● Ion-exchange resin manufacture: base material for cation-exchange resins worldwide.

5.2 Solid Acid Catalysts for Organic Synthesis

The resin-bound strong acid acts as a reusable heterogeneous catalyst:

● Solid acid catalyst: promotes esterifications, alkylations, condensations and hydrolyses.

● Reusable and separable: catalyst can be filtered and recycled, minimizing waste.

● Supported-acid systems: polymer-supported sulfonic acid reagents for clean synthesis.

5.3 Electroconductive & Antistatic Applications

As a polyelectrolyte, PSSA provides charge-transport and dissipation functions:

● Electroconductive resin: polyelectrolyte component for electroconductive formulations.

● Antistatic coatings: dissipates static charge on electrographic and electrophotographic substrates.

● Conductive polymer systems: polyanion counterion and dopant for conductive polymer dispersions.

5.4 Membrane & Electrochemical Materials

Proton-conducting sulfonic groups support energy-related materials:

● Proton-exchange membranes: sulfonated polymer electrolyte for fuel-cell applications.

● Electrochemical separators: ion-conducting layers in electrochemical devices.

● Specialty membranes: charge-selective barrier and transport layers.

5.5 Construction, Textile & Process Additives

The anionic polymer adds dispersing and leveling functions in material processing:

● Cement superplasticizer: Na⁺ form improves concrete workability and water reduction.

● Textile dyeing aid: improves dye leveling and color uptake on cotton.

● Process dispersant: polyelectrolyte dispersing action in aqueous systems.

6. Packaging, Storage

Packaging (customizable):

● Aqueous solutions: 25 kg and 200 kg HDPE drums; small packs for research;

Storage:

● Solutions: store sealed in a cool, dry place; refrigerated or frozen storage recommended for long-term stability.

● Resin: keep in sealed, dry containers away from moisture and contaminants.

● Keep away from strong bases, oxidizers and metals subject to acid attack.

● Recommended shelf life under proper storage: check COA (typically 12–24 months from production).

7. Why Choose Jinan Future Chemical Co., Ltd.?

● Factory-direct supply: own sourcing and distribution capability, transparent pricing, no middleman markup.

● Stable quality: every batch tested (solid content, pH, viscosity, sulfonation), COA with every shipment.

● Fast response: quotations and technical support; small trial orders accepted.

8. FAQ

Q1: What is polystyrene sulfonic acid used for?

Polystyrene sulfonic acid (PSSA) is a strong acid polyelectrolyte, used as cation-exchange resin for water softening and demineralisation, reusable solid acid catalyst, electroconductive and antistatic formulations, proton-exchange membrane for fuel cells, cement superplasticizer and textile dyeing aid, and pharmaceutical-grade potassium-binding resin.

Q2: Why is PSSA such a strong acid?

The sulfonic acid group (−SO₃H) attached to the aromatic ring is one of the strongest organic acid functions — it dissociates almost completely in water (aqueous PSSA has a pH around 1.5). Because the acid groups are covalently bound to the polymer backbone, the material delivers strong-acid behavior as a non-volatile, reusable solid or solution, without the handling problems of free mineral acids.

Q3: What is the difference between PSSA and sodium polystyrene sulfonate?

PSSA is the acid (hydrogen) form of the polymer; sodium polystyrene sulfonate is its sodium salt. The acid form is used where proton donation matters (solid acid catalysis, proton-exchange membranes, demineralization in the H⁺ cycle), while the sodium form is used for softening and cation binding where sodium is exchanged for hardness or metal ions. The two forms interconvert by neutralization.

Q4: Linear or crosslinked — which should I choose?

Linear (uncrosslinked) PSSA is water-soluble and behaves as a solution polyelectrolyte — used in coatings, dispersants and conductive formulations. Crosslinked PSSA is an insoluble resin that swells in water without dissolving — used where the polymer must be packed into beds, separated and reused, such as ion-exchange columns and solid acid catalysts.