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| Synonyms:PEGDMA PEG dimethacrylate PEG bismethacrylate Methacrylate-PEG-Methacrylate PEG hydrogel Molecular Formula:(C2H4O)nC8H10O3 Molecular Weight: 200400600 HS Code: 3906909090 Grade: Industrial grade99% Hazard Class:General Cargo | |||||||||
25852-47-5
bosschemical
25852-47-5
Poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEGDMA; CAS 25852-47-5) is a difunctional methacrylate monomer — a poly(ethylene glycol) chain capped at both ends with polymerizable methacrylate groups, giving the structure CH₂=C(CH₃)COO−(CH₂CH₂O)ₙ−COC(CH₃)=CH₂. Because each molecule carries two reactive C=C double bonds, PEGDMA is a crosslinker: in radical (photo- or thermal) polymerization it bridges growing chains into a three-dimensional network. That dual functionality powers two very different worlds: industrial light-curable systems (coatings, inks, adhesives, sealants, photoresists, solder masks and photopolymers) and biomaterials built from crosslinked hydrophilic networks. The PEG segment length can be selected to tune the monomer from a low‑viscosity liquid to a waxy solid and control final network stiffness, hydrophilicity and water uptake.
Core value propositions:
●Difunctional Crosslinker: two methacrylate groups bridge chains into strong 3-D networks;
●Light-Curing Compatible: ideal for UV/EB-cured coatings, inks, adhesives and photopolymer systems;
●Hydrogel Building Block: the classic chemistry for crosslinked,
Item Specification
Chemical Name Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), α-(2-methyl-1-oxo-2-propenyl)-ω-[(2-methyl-1-oxo-2-propenyl)oxy]- (poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate)
Synonyms PEGDMA; PEG-DMA; poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate; α,ω-dimethacryloyl poly(ethylene glycol); MA-PEG-MA
CAS No. 25852-47-5
EC No. 219-760-1 (EINECS); 607-819-8 (ECHA C&L)
Molecular Formula (C₂H₄O)ₙC₈H₁₀O₃ — CH₂=C(CH₃)COO−(CH₂CH₂O)ₙ−COC(CH₃)=CH₂
Appearance Clear colorless liquid (short-chain grades) to white/off-white waxy granular solid (long-chain grades)
Solubility Soluble in water (PEG-rich grades); soluble in common organic monomers and solvents; density ≈ 1.11 g/mL at 25 °C
3. Chemistry & Structure
PEGDMA is a linear, difunctional monomer in which a poly(ethylene glycol) chain — HO−(CH₂CH₂O)ₙ−H — carries a methacrylate ester group at each end, giving the full structure CH₂=C(CH₃)COO−(CH₂CH₂O)ₙ−COC(CH₃)=CH₂. The two terminal C=C double bonds are the reactive handles: during free-radical polymerization (triggered by light, heat or a chemical initiator) both methacrylate ends add into growing chains, so one PEGDMA molecule links two polymer chains and progressively builds a crosslinked three-dimensional network. The length of the central PEG segment (n) is the key design variable — it controls monomer viscosity, chain flexibility, hydrophilicity and the mesh size of the cured network: short chains give stiff, dense, more hydrophobic networks, while long chains give soft, flexible, water-swellable hydrogels. The product is a clear liquid for short-chain grades and a waxy granular solid for long-chain grades, is water-soluble in PEG-rich grades, and is formulated with a small amount of polymerization inhibitor (MEHQ or BHT) so it remains stable in storage. It is light- and moisture-sensitive, and should be kept away from strong oxidizing agents.
●Two reactive methacrylate groups per molecule: true crosslinking monomer for 3-D network formation.
●Wide molecular-weight range : from low-viscosity liquid to waxy solid, tuned to the process.
●Photo-curable: fast curing in UV/EB and peroxide-initiated systems, ideal for photopolymers.
●Hydrophilic networks: water-swellable hydrogels for specialty applications.
●Good compatibility: miscible with common acrylic/vinyl monomers and organic solvents.
●Stable supply form: MEHQ/BHT-inhibited grades with controlled double-bond content.
5.1 UV-Curable Coatings, Inks, Adhesives & Sealants (Core Application)
As a difunctional acrylic monomer, PEGDMA is a standard building block in radiation-curable industrial coatings and adhesives:
●UV/EB-curable coatings: : increases crosslink density, toughness and chemical resistance.
●Printing inks and varnishes: fast cure, low VOC formulations.
●Adhesives and sealants: high crosslink density pressure-sensitive and structural systems
●Reactive diluent/crosslinker – reduces viscosity but contributes functional double bonds.
5.2 Photopolymers & Light-Curing Formulations
PEGDMA's clean, fast radical polymerization makes it a preferred component in photopolymer systems:
●Photoresists: : formulations for imaging and patterning in printed electronics and lithographic processes.
●Solder masks – photo-curable protective layers used in the manufacture of circuit boards.
●Photopolymer resins: light-curing compositions for fast prototyping and additive processes.
●Stereolithography-type resins: dimensionally stable networks with adjustable flexibility.
5.3 Elastomers, Plastics & Polymer Processing
Beyond photo systems, PEGDMA serves as a crosslinking and modification agent in bulk polymers:
●Elastomer curing agent: crosslinks rubber and elastomer compounds for improved heat and solvent resistance.
●Plastics modification: copolymerisation to produce resins with increased cross-link density and toughness.
●Chemical intermediate: functional building block for speciality oligomers and polymers
●Laboratory crosslinking reagent: standard monomer for polymer and hydrogel research.
5.4 Specialty & Household Applications
PEGDMA also appears in formulated consumer and specialty products:
●Home-maintenance products: formulated into household sealants, coatings and repair products.
●Water-based specialty systems: hydrophilic character supports aqueous formulations.
●Additive-manufacturing resins and dental-type composites: light-cured structural networks (formulation-grade).
Packaging (customizable):
●Standard: 25 kg or 200 kg HDPE drums,
Storage:
●Store in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area — the monomer is light- and moisture-sensitive.
●Keep containers tightly closed to avoid oxygen depletion and moisture uptake; avoid prolonged exposure to air.
●Keep away from heat, sparks, open flame and strong oxidizing agents.
●Recommended shelf life with inhibitor present: check COA
●Factory-direct supply: own sourcing and distribution capability, transparent pricing, no middleman markup.
●Stable quality: every batch tested (double-bond content, viscosity, inhibitor content, color), COA with every shipment.
●Fast response: quotations and technical support; small trial orders accepted.
Q1: What is PEGDMA used for?
PEGDMA is a difunctional methacrylate crosslinker used in two main worlds: light-curable industrial systems — UV/EB coatings, inks, adhesives, sealants, photoresists, solder masks and photopolymer resins — and biomaterials built from crosslinked hydrophilic networks. It also serves as an elastomer curing agent, a plastics modifier and a general-purpose crosslinking monomer in polymer research.
Q2: How does PEGDMA crosslink?
Each PEGDMA molecule has two methacrylate C=C double bonds, one at each end. During free-radical polymerization both ends add into growing polymer chains, so the molecule acts as a bridge between chains. As more PEGDMA molecules react, the bridges accumulate and the material sets into a three-dimensional network that no longer dissolves or melts. The PEG chain length between the two reactive ends controls the network's flexibility, hydrophilicity and mesh size.
Q3: Is PEGDMA safe to handle?
PEGDMA is a skin and eye irritant and a skin sensitizer (allergic skin reactions are possible after repeated contact), and it may irritate the respiratory tract; it is also harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects. Handle with impervious gloves, eye protection and local ventilation, avoid skin contact, and do not discharge to waterways. The monomer is stabilized with MEHQ or BHT — always follow the SDS and check the inhibitor level on the COA.
