Introduction to Sodium Methallyl Sulfonate
Sodium Methallyl Sulfonate (SMAS), with the CAS number 1561-92-8, is a crucial chemical compound with the molecular formula C4H7SO3Na and molecular weight of 158.156 . This white crystalline powder with a melting point of 270-280°C has gained significant importance across various industries due to its unique chemical properties . As a strong oxidizer that’s highly soluble in water but difficult to dissolve in alcohol, SMAS serves as a key component in everything from polycarboxylic acid superplasticizers to textile manufacturing and water treatment applications .
The global market for Sodium Methallyl Sulfonte continues to expand, driven by its versatile applications and effectiveness as a copolymerization monomer . According to recent market research, the compound is expected to maintain steady growth through 2031, with increasing demand from emerging economies and new industrial applications . This comprehensive guide explores the latest information about SMAS, drawing on current market data and technical specifications to help businesses and researchers make informed decisions.
Technical Specifications and Properties
Physical and Chemical Characteristics
Sodium Methallyl Sulfonate displays several important technical characteristics that make it valuable for industrial applications :
- Appearance: White crystalline powder or white片状crystals
- Melting Point: 270-280°C
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol and dimethyl sulfoxide, insoluble in other organic solvents
- Chemical Properties: Strong oxidizer that decomposes into carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides, and other toxic gases when burned
Quality Standards and Specifications
High-quality SMAS typically meets the following specifications :
| Parameter | Specification | Testing Method |
|---|---|---|
| Content | ≥99.50% | Chemical titration |
| Sodium sulfite | ≤0.02% | Ion chromatography |
| Chlorides | ≤0.035% | Volumetric analysis |
| Water content | ≤0.5% | Karl Fischer method |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤0.4 ppm | Atomic absorption |
| Color | ≤10 | Colorimetric method |
Industrial Applications of Sodium Methallyl Sulfonate
1. Construction Industry: Polycarboxylic Acid Superplasticizers
SMAS serves as a crucial component in polycarboxylic acid high-performance water reducers . When compounded with maleic anhydride polyethylene glycol monoethyl ether, methacrylic acid, and other materials, it creates water-reducing agents with low dosage requirements, high water reduction rates, and excellent retardation properties without water seepage issues . This application represents one of the largest market segments for SMAS, particularly as global construction standards increasingly demand higher concrete performance specifications.
2. Water Treatment Applications
In water treatment chemicals, SMAS functions as a monomer for corrosion and scale inhibitors . When copolymerized with acrylic acid, acrylamide, maleic anhydride, sodium hypophosphite, vinyl acetate, and other compounds, it demonstrates effective scale inhibition against phosphate, zinc salt, calcium carbonate, and calcium sulfate . Municipal water treatment facilities and industrial cooling systems extensively utilize these copolymers to maintain system efficiency and extend equipment lifespan.
3. Petroleum and Chemical Industry
For petroleum chemicals, SMAS copolymerizes with acrylamide, acrylic acid, and various quaternary ammonium compounds to create dispersants and filtration reducers with exceptional resistance to high temperatures and salts . This makes it particularly valuable in drilling fluids and enhanced oil recovery operations where stability under extreme conditions is essential for economic operation.
4. Textile Industry: Acrylic Fiber Third Monomer
SMAS significantly improves the dyeing and thermal properties of acrylic fibers as a third monomer in acrylic polymerization . It enables fibers to absorb dye faster with stronger color fastness, brighter colors, and enhanced heat resistance and elasticity . This application allows textile manufacturers to produce higher-value specialty fibers with superior characteristics compared to standard acrylic fibers.
5. Diverse Other Applications
- Coating additives: Production of thermosetting acrylic resins and coating dispersants to enhance water solubility
- Flocculant monomer: Copolymerization with acrylamide for water treatment
- Dispersants: Combined with methacrylic acid and itaconic acid
- Electronic and material processing: Single-ion comb-shaped electrolyte membranes (CPPL) and high-water-absorption resins
- Soil improvement: Polymerization with sodium acrylate, styrene-acrylic emulsion, and polyvinyl alcohol to enhance red soil fertility
- Oilfield tertiary recovery: Driving agents for enhanced oil recovery
- Paper additives: Dry strengthening agents to improve product quality strength
- Cement additives: Plastic retention agents
Global Market Overview and Key Suppliers
Market Size and Growth Projections
According to YHResearch statistics, the global Sodium Methallyl Sulfonate market is projected to maintain steady growth through 2031 . While specific market size figures require access to the full report, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is expected to remain positive, driven by increasing applications across multiple industries and expanding demand in emerging economies .
The market analysis covers comprehensive data from 2020-2024 and provides forecasts through 2031, including :
- Annual sales volume and revenue statistics
- Price trend analysis across different regions
- Market share and competitive landscape assessment
- Regional production capacity and output analysis
Major Global Suppliers
The SMAS market features several key players, including :
- Kowa Europe GmbH
- Daiso Chemical Co., Ltd.
- Sentaitech Co., Ltd.
- Asahi Kasei Finechem
- Shandong Sytech Co., Ltd
- Various Chinese manufacturers
SHANDONG SYNTECH INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
One of the significant manufacturers in China, SHANDONG SYNTECH INDUSTRIES CO., LTD. established in 2017, specializes in sulfonate series products including allyl sulfonate sodium (SAS), Sodium Methallyl Sulfonate (SMAS), and 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid (AMPS) . The company boasts:
- Production capacity: Comprehensive sulfonate production capability reaching 8,000+ tons
- Additional products: Sodium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, snow melting salt, and snow melting agent
- Market reach: Products distributed throughout China and exported to Southeast Asia, Japan, Korea, Canada, Europe, America, the Middle East, and other regions
Packaging, Storage, and Safety Considerations
Packaging Options
SMAS is typically available in several packaging configurations :
- 20kg/bag (inner plastic outer woven bag)
- 500kg/bag
- 170kg/bag
- 1000kg container bags
- Customized packaging according to client requirements
Storage and Transportation Requirements
Proper handling of SMAS requires specific precautions :
- Storage conditions: Should be stored in dry, cool areas at room temperature
- Transportation requirements: Protect from rain, moisture, and direct sunlight during transportation
- Shelf life: Typically one year when stored under appropriate conditions
Safety Considerations
SMAS presents specific health and safety considerations :
- Health effects: Harmful to humans, irritating to eyes, skin, and respiratory system
- Exposure prevention: Avoid inhalation, ingestion, and contact with skin and clothing
- Combustion hazards: Decomposes into toxic gases including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and sulfur oxides when burned
Future Outlook and Emerging Applications
The future of Sodium Methallyl Sulfonate looks promising with several potential growth areas :
- New material applications: Research continues into advanced material science applications
- Environmental technologies: Potential uses in environmental protection and sustainable technologies
- Regional market expansion: Growing adoption in developing economies
- Product innovation: Development of higher-purity grades and specialized formulations
As industries continue to seek improved performance materials, SMAS’s unique properties position it for ongoing relevance and potential market expansion through 2031 and beyond .
Conclusion
Sodium Methallyl Sulfonate (SMAS) remains a versatile and valuable chemical intermediate with diverse applications across multiple industries. From its established role in construction water reducers and textile manufacturing to emerging applications in electronics and environmental technologies, SMAS continues to demonstrate its importance in industrial chemistry.
For businesses seeking suppliers, current market intelligence indicates that SHANDONG SYNTECH INDUSTRIES CO., LTD. represents one of the significant manufacturers, though multiple global sources exist . When procuring SMAS, careful attention to specifications, packaging requirements, and safety considerations will ensure optimal results for your specific application.
As the global market evolves, SMAS is well-positioned to maintain its relevance through steady demand growth and potential new applications driven by material science innovation.