Propylene glycol monoacrylate appears as a clear liquid or sometimes a pale, slightly yellowish fluid. Chemically, it’s formed by combining propylene glycol with acrylic acid, which creates a unique molecule with the formula C6H10O3 and a molecular weight of about 130.14 g/mol. The structure shows an acrylate group attached to a propylene glycol backbone, which gives it both reactive double bonds and a hydroxy group, opening the door for many chemical applications. The HS Code linked to this chemical is usually 291612, which refers to acrylic acid and its derivatives. If you peer into the bottle, you’ll see a material that flows and pours without much resistance, showing a density near 1.07 g/cm³ at room temperature. Rarely, in colder storage conditions, you might come across small crystalline patches or even solid flakes, but most shipping and industrial use keep it firmly in its liquid state.
Some chemicals quietly play supporting roles in big manufacturing processes. Propylene glycol monoacrylate stands as a good example. As a raw material, it brings both an acrylic functionality and a hydroxy group, making it useful for modified resins, UV-curable coatings, adhesives, plastics, inks, and even adhesives. The liquid mixes easily into water, alcohol, and other polar solvents, so it jumps right into the reaction when blended. Its boiling point sits at roughly 210°C, though most folks familiar with resin chemistry will mention its reactivity long before its heat tolerance. Viscosity feels thinner than syrup but heavier than pure water.
From a physical standpoint, most shipments come in tightly sealed drums or IBC totes to keep moisture and air out. Prolonged exposure to light and oxygen can start unwanted polymerization, which turns this useful liquid into a stubborn solid. Shelf life gets cut short when you skip proper storage. No one in the field wants bottles turning to goo just because someone left them under a skylight or cracked open for too long.
Molecular structure matters to formulators and chemists alike. Propylene glycol monoacrylate’s backbone contains both an acrylate group and a hydroxy segment. You see a three-carbon glycol chain hooked directly to an acrylate group (the vinyl double bond). Chemists favor this layout for its double reactivity. Those double bonds crosslink in the presence of initiators, producing networks – the sort that strengthens coatings, elastomers, and adhesives. Specific gravity checks in at around 1.07 g/mL, and viscosity usually sits in the 10 – 15 mPa·s range (measured at 25°C). Products listed under this name usually come as liquids, but some labs work with freeze-dried flakes or crystalline forms for niche research. Large-scale users stick with the liquid for direct dosing into tanks.
Anyone pouring propylene glycol monoacrylate knows to suit up with gloves, goggles, and plenty of ventilation. Like most acrylates, its liquid form can irritate skin, eyes, and airways. Direct contact leads to redness or even blistering for some. Even vapors bring headaches or irritation to the more sensitive. The material safety data sheet—one document worth reading before ever handling the drum—warns about its harmful qualities. Repeated exposure risks sensitization, meaning some chemists develop rashes or allergies after a few accidents. For safe storage, dry, dark, and cool environments work best. Use only stainless steel, polyethylene, or glass equipment to avoid surprise reactions. Most manufacturers add tiny amounts of stabilizers, like hydroquinone, to block unwanted polymerization during shipping and storage. If you see the word “hazardous” on a drum, know it isn’t for show.
Fire risk exists but doesn’t loom as large as some more volatile solvents. Flash point sits around 88°C, above typical room temperatures but still warranting attention. Good practice keeps ignition sources away, with spill kits and showers nearby. Accidental spills create slip hazards and, if left uncontained, can gum up equipment with surprise curing. For disposal, special chemical collection or incineration prevents environmental contamination. Waterways and soil don’t benefit from stray acrylates, as they break down slowly outside a controlled laboratory.
Looking upstream, the raw materials for making propylene glycol monoacrylate include propylene glycol and acrylic acid, both widely used industrial chemicals. Manufacturers rely on precise reaction conditions and purification to deliver a product free from unwanted byproducts. This isn’t a backroom process. Accurate temperature control, dedicated equipment, and careful neutralization steps keep the end result consistent.
Applications include UV and electron beam curable coatings and adhesives, where its dual chemical features boost both flexibility and strength. Some plastic polishers know it as an additive that brings improved impact resistance to films and sheets. Ink formulators value its presence in printing inks that require fast curing beneath special lamps. Water-based coatings pick it for improved adhesion to plastics and metals. In each setting, the structure creates new connections that make materials harder, glossier, or even longer-lasting.
Every chemical brings both benefits and risks. My own work in a plant highlighted this firsthand. A spill cleaned up without proper gloves led to weeks of hand irritation and a sense of caution for the rest of my career. Best solution remains practical—strong ventilation, full PPE, and crystal-clear labeling on every drum. Emergency showers and eye wash stations, tested weekly, prevent small mistakes from becoming health crises. For safer working conditions, regular safety drills and transparent reporting help everyone on the team look out for each other. Manufacturers, transporters, and end users all play a role in keeping this material useful without letting hazards slip through the cracks.
Buyers and users can expect reliable, clear liquid in bulk. Flakes, powders, or pearls rarely turn up outside of specialty orders, as the liquid matches best with current equipment and dosing needs. Crystal forms, when seen, indicate something unusual in storage or manufacture. Specific gravity remains stable around 1.07 g/cm³, and most shipments mark the HS code for customs: 291612. Each batch comes with a certificate of analysis, tracking purity and percent stabilizer. Applications in coatings, plastics, adhesives, and inks lead the chart, using the chemical’s blend of flexibility and bonding power to produce commercial products found everywhere—often behind the scenes.
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