N-Hydroxymethyl acrylamide (N-MAM), also known as N-Methylol acrylamide, is a white crystalline powder (melting point: 74–75°C) with the molecular formula C₄H₇NO₂. It features dual functional groups—a polymerizable vinyl group and a reactive hydroxymethyl group—enabling it to act as both a crosslinking monomer and a reactive modifier in polymer systems. This unique structure underpins its solubility in water, ethanol, and fatty acid esters, while remaining insoluble in hydrocarbons.  

 Key Industrial Applications  

1.  Adhesives, Coatings, and Resins  

    N-MAM serves as a high-performance crosslinker in acrylic emulsion adhesives and coatings. For carboxyl-containing acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesives, adding 1%–2% of N-MAM (by total monomer weight) significantly enhances cohesion and heat resistance. Exceeding 3% reduces initial tack. When copolymerized with acrylic acid (AA), it forms a composite crosslinking system (optimal ratio 3:2), lowering the reaction temperature from 120–170°C to more energy-efficient levels. Applications include:  

    -   Thermosetting resins, light-curable epoxy coatings, and oil-resistant paints.  

    -   Durable binders for non-woven fabrics, paper coatings, and leather finishes.  

2.  Textile Functionalization  

    In textile processing, N-MAM enables permanent antimicrobial modification via graft copolymerization. Using a pad-dry-cure method, cotton fabrics treated with N-MAM-based halamine compounds achieve 100% kill rates against S. aureus within 5 minutes and E. coli within 10 minutes. Optimal parameters include:  

    -   0.4 mol/L N-MAM concentration.  

    -   2% crosslinker.  

    -   120°C curing for 120 seconds.  

    SEM and IR analyses confirm stable grafting onto fibers, enhancing wash durability.  

3.  Functional Polymers and Hydrogels  

    N-MAM is critical in synthesizing smart hydrogels and molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs):  

    -   Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose/poly(methyl acrylate) IPN hydrogels crosslinked with N-MAM adsorb methylene blue efficiently (2,370 mg/g at pH 7).  

    -   Temperature-responsive MIPs (using N,N-methylene-bis-acrylamide) selectively extract adrenergic drugs (e.g., dopamine) from urine, aiding medical diagnostics.  

4.  Flocculants and Environmental Materials  

    Copolymers incorporating N-MAM and hydrophobic monomers (e.g., styrene) exhibit enhanced flocculation efficiency in alumina production. These polymers accelerate red mud sedimentation, reduce底流液固比, and clarify溢流 quality.  

5.  Emerging Biomedical Uses  

    Research explores N-MAM in:  

    -   Tissue engineering scaffolds (combined with PLA/PGA) for bone regeneration.  

    -   Drug carriers for pH/temperature-triggered release.  

    -   Hydrogel wound dressings that encapsulate antibiotics or growth factors.  

 Safety and Storage  

N-MAM is classified as a Group 3 carcinogen (IARC) and has an oral LD₅₀ of 420 mg/kg (rat). It may irritate skin, eyes, and respiratory tracts. Proper storage in cool, dry conditions (≤3 months) is critical to prevent self-polymerization, which renders it water-insoluble and unusable.  

---  

Why Choose N-Hydroxymethyl Acrylamide? With its dual reactivity, N-MAM delivers crosslinking efficiency, durability enhancement, and multifunctional customization across adhesives, textiles, water treatment, and biomaterials. Backed by 26 years of expertise in acrylamide supply, we provide consistently high-purity N-MAM (≥99.5%) with reliable logistics and technical support. Partner with us for tailored polymer solutions that meet stringent industrial demands.