Product Overview AMPS

AMPS (2-Acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid) is a highly reactive, hydrophilic propylene sulfonate monomer that has been widely used in polymer chemistry since the 1970s. Due to the presence of sulfonic acid groups in the molecule, AMPS copolymers exhibit significantly improved hydrophilicity, thermal stability, and resistance to hydrolysis compared to conventional acrylamide-based polymers.

AMPS is available as dry white crystals (free acid) or as an aqueous sodium salt solution. It can be homopolymerized or copolymerized with acrylamide, acrylic acid, acrylonitrile, styrene, and other water-soluble monomers for a wide range of industrial polymer applications.

Key Performance Properties

High Thermal Stability
Decomposition temperature up to 210°C (free acid) and 329°C (sodium salt form). Copolymers maintain performance in high-temperature downhole environments.
Hydrolysis Resistance
Sodium salt solutions, especially at pH > 9, exhibit excellent resistance to hydrolysis — far superior to polyacrylamide under acidic and saline conditions.
Salt Tolerance
High-molecular-weight AMPS copolymers maintain viscosity and performance in high-salinity brines and saturated salt drilling fluids.
Versatile Polymerization
Compatible with free-radical homo- and co-polymerization. Commonly copolymerized with acrylamide, acrylic acid, and acrylonitrile using persulfate initiators.

Specifications

ParameterSpecification
AppearanceDry white crystals
Purity≥ 99%
Non-Volatile Matter Content≥ 99%
Molecular FormulaC₇H₁₃NO₄S
Molecular Weight207 g/mol
Acid Value272 – 282 mgKOH/g
Melting Point185°C (partial decomposition)
Decomposition Temperature210°C
pH (0.1% aqueous solution)~2.6 (strong acid)
Fe Content≤ 0.5 ppm
OdorSlightly acidic
Packaging25 kg three-layer composite bags (moisture-proof)

AMPS is highly hygroscopic. Moisture exposure causes polymerization. Keep sealed in dry storage at all times.

ParameterSpecification
FormAqueous sodium salt solution
Active Content50% (typical)
AppearanceClear to slightly hazy liquid
pH~7.0 (neutral)
Decomposition Temperature (Na salt)329°C
StabilityInhibitor added to prevent self-polymerization
PackagingIBC totes or drums (on request)

Sodium salt solution is neutral in pH and easier to handle than the free acid form. Contact us for concentration options and packaging details.

Applications

Oilfield Drilling
AMPS copolymers are used as mud additives — fluid loss reducers, viscosifiers, and solid control agents — with excellent heat and salt resistance for demanding HTHP wells.
Water Treatment
High-MW copolymers used for wastewater purification and sludge dehydration. Low-MW copolymers used as corrosion inhibitors and scale inhibitors in cooling systems and boilers.
Synthetic Fibers
Added at 1–4% in acrylic and chloroacrylic fiber production to improve whiteness, dyeability, antistatic properties, and flame retardancy.
Textile Sizing
Copolymers with ethyl acetate and acrylic acid serve as ideal sizing agents for cotton and cotton-polyester blends, with easy water washout.
Paints & Coatings
Used in water-based latex production by copolymerization with acrylic acid, styrene, or vinyl acetate. Improves mechanical stability, friction resistance, and reduces surfactant requirements.
Papermaking
AMPS copolymers used as drainage aids, dry strength agents, and pigment dispersants in paper and board manufacturing.

Packaging & Storage

Standard Packaging 25 kg three-layer composite bags (moisture-proof inner lining)
Storage Conditions Store in a sealed, cool, dry place. Keep away from moisture — exposure causes polymerization. Avoid heat sources and direct sunlight.
Shelf Life 12 months from manufacture date under recommended conditions
Handling Note AMPS is highly hygroscopic. Open bags must be resealed immediately after use. Add inhibitor if preparing aqueous solutions for storage.
HS Code 2924.19 (Acyclic amides and their derivatives)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is AMPS used for?

AMPS (2-Acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid) is a monomer copolymerized into functional polymers used across oilfield drilling fluids, water treatment, synthetic fiber production, textile sizing, paints and coatings, and papermaking — valued for its salt tolerance and versatile polymerization chemistry.

What's the difference between the solid crystal and sodium salt solution forms?

The solid crystal (free acid) form is ≥99% pure with a strongly acidic pH of ~2.6 in 0.1% aqueous solution, decomposing at 210°C. The sodium salt solution is neutral (pH ~7.0) with 50% typical active content, is easier to handle than the free acid, and includes an inhibitor to prevent self-polymerization during storage.

Why is AMPS valued in oilfield drilling applications?

High-molecular-weight AMPS copolymers maintain viscosity and performance in high-salinity brines and saturated salt drilling fluids, and are used as fluid loss reducers, viscosifiers, and solid control agents with strong heat and salt resistance for demanding HTHP (high-temperature, high-pressure) wells.

How should AMPS be stored and handled?

AMPS solid crystal is highly hygroscopic — moisture exposure causes polymerization, so opened bags must be resealed immediately. Store sealed in a cool, dry place away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Shelf life is 12 months from the manufacture date under recommended conditions.

What monomers is AMPS commonly copolymerized with?

AMPS is compatible with free-radical homo- and co-polymerization, and is commonly copolymerized with acrylamide, acrylic acid, and acrylonitrile using persulfate initiators — the basis for its use in fiber, textile sizing, and coatings applications.

What is the minimum order quantity for AMPS?

Minimum order is 1 MT and is negotiable depending on form (solid crystal or sodium salt solution) and destination. Contact us with your required form, quantity, and application for a quote.

What factors affect the price of AMPS?

AMPS pricing depends on form (solid crystal vs. sodium salt solution), purity, order quantity, packaging, and destination/shipping terms. Contact us with your required form and quantity for a quote.

Is an MSDS available for AMPS?

Yes — a material safety data sheet (MSDS) is available on request, which is particularly relevant given AMPS's strongly acidic nature in solid crystal form and its hygroscopic handling requirements.

Is ZHAOYUAN an AMPS manufacturer or a trading company?

ZHAOYUAN supplies AMPS directly from China with export capability for bulk orders worldwide, and also delivers turnkey EPC engineering for cellulose ether production plants — giving customers both a chemical supply source and a manufacturing-side engineering partner.