Poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate, MW 35,000 (PEGDA 35K)
Poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA 35K) is a multifunctional PEG-based macromer used in advanced materials
synthesis, hydrogel formation, and polymer network research. It features a linear poly(ethylene glycol) backbone
terminated with acrylate groups, which enables crosslinking through free-radical polymerization under appropriate
initiation conditions.
Relative to lower molecular weight PEGDA grades, PEGDA 35K has longer chains between reactive end groups and can
yield networks with lower crosslink density. In many formulations, this can translate to crosslinked materials with
increased flexibility, higher swelling capacity, and mechanical properties that can be tuned through macromer
concentration and crosslinking conditions.
PEGDA-based networks are widely investigated as hydrogels and are frequently evaluated as carrier matrices in drug
delivery and biomedical materials research. Additional areas of use include polymerizable adhesives, coatings,
sealants, microfluidic device fabrication, and photopolymer-based synthesis where controlled network formation and
uniformity are important.
Key Properties
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Chemical type: Poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate
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Molecular weight: 35,000 g/mol
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Functional groups: Terminal acrylates
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Polymerization mechanism: Free-radical crosslinking
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Hydrophilicity: High
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Network characteristics: Flexible, lightly crosslinked hydrogels (formulation-dependent)
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Typical use: Research and development applications
Applications
Hydrogel and Biomaterials Research
PEGDA 35K is commonly used to form photopolymerized and chemically crosslinked hydrogels. Its higher molecular
weight can support softer, more elastic networks with controllable permeability and swelling behavior, depending on
formulation and curing conditions.
Drug Delivery and Biomedical Materials
Crosslinked PEGDA hydrogels are frequently investigated as carrier systems because their network structure can be
tuned. Researchers often adjust properties by changing polymer concentration and crosslinking conditions.
Adhesives, Coatings, and Sealants
PEGDA 35K may be evaluated in polymerizable systems where flexibility, uniform crosslinking, and moisture
compatibility are desired.
Microfluidics and Photopolymer Synthesis
The acrylate functionality of PEGDA supports photopatterning and microfabrication workflows, including microfluidic
device research and light-initiated polymer network formation.
FAQs
Common questions about PEGDA 35K (Poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate, MW 35,000).
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What is PEGDA 35K used for?
PEGDA 35K is commonly used to create crosslinked polymer networks, especially PEG-based hydrogels, for
materials, biomaterials, and formulation research.
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What does “diacrylate” mean in PEG diacrylate?
“Diacrylate” indicates that the PEG chain is terminated with two acrylate functional groups. These end
groups can undergo free-radical polymerization and enable network formation through crosslinking.
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How does PEGDA molecular weight influence crosslink density?
Higher molecular weight PEGDA typically places more chain length between reactive end groups, which can
reduce crosslink density compared with lower molecular weight grades under similar formulation conditions.
Actual outcomes depend on concentration, initiation system, and cure conditions.
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Why might a researcher choose PEGDA 35K instead of a lower molecular weight PEGDA?
PEGDA 35K is often selected when a formulation benefits from a more flexible network or higher swelling
capacity, while still allowing network properties to be tuned by concentration and crosslinking
conditions.
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What factors most strongly affect PEGDA hydrogel properties?
Common drivers include PEGDA concentration, initiation/curing conditions, and the presence of comonomers
or additives. These variables influence crosslink density, swelling behavior, and mechanical response.
