Pentaerythritol tetraacrylate (PETA) is a multifunctional acrylate composition used as a crosslinking component in free-radical and photoinitiated polymerization. The pentaerythritol tetraacrylate component contains four polymerizable acrylate groups, allowing PETA to increase network functionality and crosslink density in compatible resin systems.
Synonyms: PETA; pentaerythritol tetraacrylate; pentaerythritol tetraacrylic acid ester. CAS No.: 4986-89-4. Linear formula: (H2C=CHCO2CH2)4C. Molecular weight: 352.4 for the tetraester component.
This catalog grade contains 60–90% tetraester and 10–40% triester by GC. MEHQ and HQ inhibit unintended polymerization during storage. The material is used in laboratory research and chemical manufacturing involving UV-curable coatings, adhesives, crosslinked polymers, and photopolymer resin development.
Key Properties
- Multifunctional pentaerythritol acrylate composition
- Tetraester content by GC: 60–90%
- Triester content by GC: 10–40%
- MEHQ content: 300–400 ppm
- HQ content: 0–10 ppm
- Molecular weight of tetraester component: 352.4
- Refractive index: n20/D 1.487
- Melting point: 18°C
Applications
UV-Curable Resin Systems
PETA is used as a multifunctional crosslinking component in UV-curable and other photoinitiated acrylate formulations. Its acrylate functionality can increase network connectivity, although cure rate, conversion, and final properties depend on the complete formulation and irradiation conditions.
Coatings
PETA may be incorporated into acrylate coating formulations where increased crosslink density is required. Hardness, solvent resistance, flexibility, shrinkage, and adhesion depend on PETA concentration, the other resin components, substrate preparation, and cure conditions.
Adhesives & Sealants
PETA may be evaluated as a reactive crosslinking component in free-radical and photocurable adhesive or sealant formulations. Bond performance cannot be attributed to PETA alone and should be measured with the intended substrates, initiator system, and processing conditions.
Composite & Photopolymer Resin Development
PETA may be used in experimental composite and additive-manufacturing resins where multifunctional acrylate chemistry is needed. Dimensional behavior, conversion, brittleness, shrinkage, and mechanical properties should be evaluated in the final resin system.
Polymerization & Formulation Considerations
- The tetraester component contains four acrylate groups capable of participating in free-radical polymerization
- The catalog grade also contains 10–40% triester, which should be considered when calculating formulation functionality
- PETA concentration can affect crosslink density, gel formation, shrinkage, and final network properties
- MEHQ and HQ inhibitor content should be considered when selecting initiator concentration and cure conditions
- Polymerization behavior depends on resin composition, initiator chemistry, temperature or irradiation conditions, oxygen exposure, and sample geometry
- Final conversion, residual monomer, and application-specific properties should be measured in the completed formulation
Pentaerythritol tetraacrylate is chemically distinct from pentaerythritol triacrylate, ethoxylated pentaerythritol tetraacrylate, and dipentaerythritol pentaacrylate. These materials differ in average acrylate functionality, molecular structure, viscosity, and formulation behavior and should not be treated as interchangeable without testing.
Application Tips
- Use clean, dry, chemically compatible processing equipment
- Confirm compatibility with other monomers, oligomers, fillers, pigments, additives, and initiators
- Account for the tetraester-to-triester composition when calculating average functionality
- Develop cure conditions using representative formulation thicknesses, substrates, and geometries
- Evaluate conversion, shrinkage, residual monomer, and relevant mechanical or chemical properties in the final resin
Handling & Storage
- Store at room temperature in a cool, well-ventilated location
- Keep the container tightly closed when not in use
- Use with adequate ventilation or in a chemical fume hood
- Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, and appropriate eye protection
- Avoid inhalation of vapor, mist, or aerosol and avoid contact with skin and eyes
- Consult the Safety Data Sheet for complete handling, storage, and disposal guidance
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FAQ
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1. What is pentaerythritol tetraacrylate?
Pentaerythritol tetraacrylate, commonly abbreviated PETA, is a multifunctional acrylate used as a crosslinking component in free-radical and photoinitiated polymer systems. The tetraester component contains four polymerizable acrylate groups.
2. Is this product 100% pentaerythritol tetraacrylate?
No. This catalog grade contains 60–90% tetraester and 10–40% triester by GC. Formulators should consider this composition when calculating average functionality or comparing the material with other multifunctional acrylates.
3. Is PETA a crosslinking monomer?
Yes. The multiple acrylate groups can participate in free-radical polymerization and introduce branching and crosslinking into compatible polymer networks.
4. Can PETA be used in UV-curable formulations?
PETA can be used in UV-curable formulations with a compatible photoinitiator and appropriate irradiation conditions. Cure rate and conversion depend on the complete resin composition, light source, exposure conditions, oxygen availability, and sample geometry.
5. Is PETA the same as pentaerythritol triacrylate?
No. Pentaerythritol tetraacrylate and pentaerythritol triacrylate are distinct ester compositions with different average functionality. This PETA catalog grade contains a specified triester fraction, but it should not be treated as equivalent to a separate pentaerythritol triacrylate product.
6. Is PETA the same as ethoxylated pentaerythritol tetraacrylate?
No. Ethoxylated pentaerythritol tetraacrylate contains ethoxylate spacer units that alter molecular weight, flexibility, viscosity, and network structure. The two materials should not be substituted without formulation testing.
7. What are the key specifications for Polysciences PETA?
Tetraester content is 60–90% by GC, and triester content is 10–40% by GC. MEHQ content is 300–400 ppm, and HQ content is 0–10 ppm. The tetraester component has a molecular weight of 352.4. The refractive index is n20/D 1.487, and the melting point is 18°C.
8. How should pentaerythritol tetraacrylate be stored and handled?
Store the product at room temperature in a cool, well-ventilated location with the container tightly closed. Use appropriate ventilation, gloves, protective clothing, and eye protection. The material is harmful if swallowed or inhaled, causes skin and eye irritation, and may cause an allergic skin reaction.
Safety & Documentation
Pentaerythritol tetraacrylate is harmful if swallowed or inhaled, causes skin and eye irritation, and may cause an allergic skin reaction. Handle the material with adequate ventilation, protective gloves, protective clothing, and appropriate eye or face protection. Refer to the product Safety Data Sheet and specification sheet for complete hazard, handling, storage, and disposal information.
