polyaspartaat

Polyaspartate, also spelled polyaspartaat in Dutch, refers to a family of polymers derived from the amino acid aspartic acid. The repeating unit consists of aspartate residues linked by amide bonds, forming poly(aspartic acid) or its alkali metal or ammonium salts. The polymer is generally water-soluble and carries negative charges from the carboxylate groups, a feature that can be tuned by the degree of neutralization.

Synthesis methods vary but commonly involve polymerization of aspartic acid derivatives or the polymerization of aspartate-based monomers, followed by hydrolysis or deprotection to yield poly(aspartic acid) or its salts. Depending on the synthesis route and degree of neutralization, polyaspartates can exist with different molecular weights and charge densities, influencing their solubility and chelating behavior.

Properties of polyaspartates include high water solubility, strong anionic character, and notable biodegradability. They act as polyanionic dispersants and chelating agents, with performance influenced by pH, ionic strength, and the presence of multivalent cations. The polymers can bind calcium and other metals, helping to inhibit scale formation and facilitate dispersion of particulates in solution.

Applications are diverse. In detergents and cleaners, polyaspartates serve as dispersants and partial builders, improving stain removal and keeping insoluble particles suspended. In industrial water treatment and cooling systems, they function as scale inhibitors and corrosion inhibitors. In some concrete admixtures, polyaspartates act as superplasticizers or flow-enhancers, aiding workability and reducing water content.

Environmental and safety aspects reflect their biodegradability and relatively low toxicity, contributing to their consideration as environmentally friendlier alternatives to certain non-biodegradable polymers in various applications.