Dipropylene Glycol Diacrylate, often recognized by its chemical symbol DPGDA, works as a functional monomer across numerous resin-based industries. Its structure arises from the acrylation of dipropylene glycol, leading to a clear-to-light-yellow liquid that handles shelf storage without visible solidification under controlled conditions. Applications harness its dual acrylate groups, which makes it a key molecular building block for fast-curing systems. Around factories and formulation labs, DPGDA pops up in everything from UV-cured coatings and adhesives to certain inks, where curing speed, surface hardness, and chemical resistance really matter.
The backbone of dipropylene glycol diacrylate comes from two acrylate moieties joined through a dipropylene glycol chain. The formula for DPGDA runs C12H18O6, with a molecular weight around 258.3 g/mol. This formula underlines its role in network formation, since both ends can link within polymer chains during radical polymerization. Chemists often choose this compound for its ease of handling, but also for its capacity to impart flexibility and toughness to finished materials, making it a staple in custom resin solutions.
DPGDA pours as a viscous, clear liquid at room temperature. Its density falls close to 1.05 g/cm3 at 25°C, which allows easy blending with other acrylate monomers or oligomers. The substance doesn’t crystallize or appear as powder, flakes, or pearls under standard storage, which keeps things manageable in most production settings. Water solubility stays quite low, but the low volatility of this material adds safety in applications that must avoid aggressive evaporation. DPGDA’s boiling point lands above 200°C, and it usually holds a mild odor typical of acrylates. I’ve seen storage tanks hold hundreds of liters of DPGDA with no problem, as it resists gelling and keeps a stable viscosity over time.
For global trade, DPGDA uses the HS Code 2916.12, which falls under acrylic esters. Purity typically measures above 95%, with inhibitors like MEHQ added for safe transport and storage. Specification sheets published by suppliers mention maximum water content (often less than 0.1%), color (20 APHA or below), and acid value (below 0.5 mg KOH/g) to guarantee consistent quality. When ordering raw materials, I always check these figures because a deviation can spell real headaches in final product performance and reactivity.
Workers ought to know that exposure to DPGDA can cause skin and eye irritation, so I always recommend nitrile gloves and goggles. Proper ventilation cuts down on inhalation risks since acrylate fumes may trigger sensitization in some people over time. Flammability concerns appear, but it's less pronounced than with many other low-molecular-weight acrylates. DPGDA itself doesn’t carry a strong explosive or corrosive hazard profile, though incomplete curing in finished goods can leak unreacted monomer, creating long-term occupational or product risks. Safety data sheets list DPGDA as harmful in cases of prolonged or repeated contact. Facilities I’ve worked in emphasize spill containment with sand or absorbent pads, never water, since runoff can lead to environmental headaches.
As a raw material, DPGDA fills a niche between stiffer resins and more flexible co-monomers. In a lot of production settings, its role is like a balancing act—softening brittle matrixes while keeping cure speed up and shrinkage low. For UV-cured floorings or 3D printing, this performance mix can’t be matched by cheap glycols or monoacrylates. In my experience, this ingredient brings resilience to scratch-prone coatings and keeps electronic potting compounds from cracking under vibration. Raw material security for DPGDA means paying attention to global supply chains—acrylate manufacturing involves both propylene oxide and acrylic acid, both subject to price swings.
Operators seek out low-migration grades to limit risk in sensitive packaging or medical applications. Plants aiming for greener lines have started pursuing DPGDA variants with lower residual monomers, sometimes combining it with bio-based co-monomers to cut carbon impact. Process engineers often tune initiator systems—choosing photoinitiators that match DPGDA’s optimal reactivity—to get rapid and even polymerization without overheating or bubbles. Staff training, overhead ventilation, and strict equipment cleanup practices close out most safety gaps. When improper handling or expired inventory threatens batch quality, protocols call for immediate isolation and safe disposal by solvent incineration. In every operation I've seen, investing in employee education about hazardous characteristics pays off in fewer incidents, better yields, and stronger team morale.
Providing high-quality chemical products and logistics solutions for global trade partners.
