Propylene Glycol Monomethacrylate, known in the chemical industry by its HS Code 2916140000, falls under the family of methacrylate esters. Its molecular formula, C7H12O3, points to a backbone built on propylene glycol and a methacrylic acid group. This combination shapes its reactivity and practical value in a range of manufacturing settings. The molecular weight averages around 144.17 g/mol, making it a solid choice for balancing solubility, processing, and performance in different chemical formulations.
The structure of this material shows a methacrylate moiety attached to a propylene glycol segment through an ester linkage. The presence of a reactive double bond in the methacrylic part turns it into an excellent candidate for polymerization. The product appears as a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid at room temperature, but forms viscous solutions and sometimes shows crystallization at low temperatures, depending on storage conditions and purity. The specific gravity at 20°C usually ranges between 1.05 and 1.07 g/cm³, similar to many other lower alkyl methacrylates. This density affects how the monomer disperses in blends and how it stacks up in bulk shipping, especially for companies juggling raw materials and finished product logistics.
Commercial offerings include liquid form, though the product can occasionally solidify into crystals or, less often, appear as flakes or pearls if stored near or below its freezing point. As a raw material, it typically comes in steel drums or HDPE containers, and purity levels stay above 98% to ensure successful downstream processing. Producers list water content (generally under 0.2%), acidity, and stabilizer type as key specifications, since even minor contaminants or absence of inhibitors like MEHQ (4-methoxyphenol) can cause unwanted polymerization that clogs lines and ruins batches. I've found that attention to these details is far from academic—no lab tech wants to clean up a polymerized mess from a supposedly “inert” tanker.
Propylene Glycol Monomethacrylate acts as a functional monomer for copolymerization in acrylic resins, adhesives, inks, and coatings. The hydroxyl group grants better adhesion to polar substrates, while the methacrylate site ensures robust crosslinking in cured materials. Factories rely on its moderate volatility and low glass transition temperature (Tg) to make flexible yet durable polymeric films, vital for packaging or laminating tough surfaces. Since the monomer readily dissolves in common solvents like ethanol, acetone, and toluene, it mixes easily into bulk prepolymers or solution formulations, so process engineers can focus on product outcomes rather than wrestling with raw material incompatibility or phase separation.
On the safety front, the chemical carries certain hazards typical of acrylate monomers. Direct contact often leads to skin or eye irritation, and its vapors can sensitize exposed workers, leading to allergic reactions over time. Chemical safety data sheets stress protective clothing, gloves, and goggles, especially during bulk handling or filling operations. Propylene Glycol Monomethacrylate is flammable, with a flash point close to 100°C (212°F), so storage must steer clear of sparks, open flames, and static discharge sources. I’ve seen plants layer in vapor sensors and continuous ventilation, reducing the risk of inhalation exposure and ensuring the well-being of their staff. While the product is not classed as an acute toxin, long-term exposure demands vigilance due to the potential for chronic effects, relating especially to sensitization and respiratory discomfort.
This material does not readily degrade in the environment, so spills or routine releases in waterways can threaten aquatic life. Regulatory frameworks require appropriate wastewater treatment and spill response planning. On the flip side, because of its relatively high reactivity, most of the material ends up polymerized in finished products, minimizing the risk of unchecked emissions. Responsible suppliers include recycling protocols for off-spec batches, and I’ve seen more processors adopt closed-loop systems to catch and reclaim fugitive emissions or contaminated wash water, minimizing total waste.
Propylene Glycol Monomethacrylate finds its way into a variety of end products—graphic arts, digital ink jets, pressure-sensitive adhesives, and specialty coatings for industrial surfaces. Its performance profile attracts formulation chemists looking for a balance between flexibility, adhesion, and weather resistance. The chemical structure allows for surface modification, which improves the stickiness and long-term durability of paints or sealants. Its presence as a liquid or, rarely, in beaded powder form, fits the broad needs of manufacturers aiming for specific finish qualities, molecular weights, or curing speeds in their output.
Success with Propylene Glycol Monomethacrylate links directly to purchase standards, onsite storage discipline, and real-world handling practices. Suppliers with track records in quality assurance and transparent documentation make a big difference for batch consistency and process predictability. I’ve watched production teams reject truckloads over “off-spec” smell, color, or failed purity checks—reminders that even a trace impurity can throw off a week’s production schedule or prompt a costly reformulation emergency. Storage tanks need blanket inert gases like nitrogen to keep oxygen out because uncontrolled polymerization can start from simple air exposure, even under a layer of inhibitor.
The industry continues to push for safer and more sustainable use patterns. Automation in transfer lines, real-time vapor monitoring, and rigorous training for handling hazardous chemicals form the backbone of an effective safety culture. Distribution partners now focus on rapid response to logistics snarls and spill events, which shields workers, communities, and waterways from unnecessary risk. On the regulatory front, ongoing updates to GHS labeling, SDS information, and employee health monitoring reflect a broader understanding of how repeated exposures to reactive monomers shape long-term health. For every company investing in specialized PPE or localized exhaust systems, the move pays off in uptime and fewer lost-time incidents over the long haul.
Choosing Propylene Glycol Monomethacrylate as a raw material means taking its chemistry, physical properties, safety profile, and application strengths into account. This monomer reflects the evolution of performance materials—demanding smart sourcing, strong process controls, and respect for the realities of bulk chemical manufacturing. A solid understanding of its reactivity and hazards, paired with rigorous daily practices, turns a potentially risky substance into the backbone for countless innovations in adhesives, coatings, and engineered plastics across the globe.
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