Poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEGDMA 600) is a difunctional PEG-based macromonomer used as a crosslinker in free-radical polymerization. Two terminal methacrylate groups provide sites for network formation, while the poly(ethylene glycol) segment introduces hydrophilic polyether functionality between the polymerizable groups.
The PEG block has a nominal molecular weight of approximately 600. PEGDMA 600 is used in photopolymerized hydrogels, crosslinked polymer networks, and studies examining how macromonomer concentration, crosslink density, water content, and curing conditions influence material properties.
Synonyms: PEGDMA; PEG dimethacrylate; poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate; polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate.
Key Properties
- Difunctional PEG-based methacrylate crosslinker
- Two terminal polymerizable methacrylate groups
- Nominal molecular weight of PEG block: 600
- CAS number: 25852-47-5
- General molecular formula: (C2H4O)nC8H10O3
- Viscosity: 60.0–80.0 cP at 25°C
- Density: 1.101 g/mL
- Refractive index: 1.466
- MEHQ inhibitor: approximately 1,000 ppm
- Storage temperature: 4°C
- Polysciences catalog number: 02364
Applications
Crosslinked Polymer Networks
PEGDMA 600 is used as a difunctional crosslinking macromonomer in free-radical polymerization. Reaction through the two terminal methacrylate groups produces covalent network junctions, with network structure determined by PEGDMA concentration, conversion, comonomer composition, and polymerization conditions.
Photopolymerized Hydrogels
PEGDMA 600 has been used in published studies of photopolymerized hydrogel networks. Photoinitiator chemistry, macromonomer concentration, irradiation conditions, water content, and conversion can influence gel formation and the properties of the resulting network.
Hydrogel Structure–Property Studies
PEGDMA hydrogels are used to investigate relationships among crosslink density, swelling, mechanical behavior, and network composition. PEGDMA molecular weight and concentration are formulation variables that can be adjusted when studying the structure and properties of crosslinked PEG-based materials.
Functional Polymer Research
PEGDMA 600 may be incorporated into compatible methacrylate formulations when a PEG-containing crosslinker is required. The final polymer properties depend on the complete formulation, including comonomers, initiator system, crosslinker concentration, solvent or water content, and curing conditions.
Polymerization & Network Considerations
- PEGDMA 600 contains two methacrylate groups capable of forming covalent network junctions
- The designation “600” refers to the nominal molecular weight of the PEG block rather than a discrete molecular weight for the entire functionalized macromonomer
- MEHQ is present at approximately 1,000 ppm to inhibit premature polymerization during storage
- Account for inhibitor concentration when establishing radical initiation and curing conditions
- Crosslink density depends on PEGDMA concentration, conversion, and the functionality of other formulation components
- For photopolymerization, control photoinitiator concentration, irradiation wavelength, irradiance, exposure time, and oxygen exposure
- Water content and network composition can substantially influence hydrogel swelling and mechanical behavior
- Do not substitute PEGDA, PEGMA, or unfunctionalized PEG 600 without evaluating the resulting change in chemistry and network structure
The properties of a PEGDMA network cannot be predicted from PEGDMA molecular weight alone. Macromonomer concentration, crosslink density, conversion, water content, polymer architecture, and curing conditions all contribute to the behavior of the resulting material.
Application Tips
- Account for the approximately 1,000 ppm MEHQ inhibitor when designing radical polymerization experiments
- Use clean, dry equipment compatible with methacrylate monomers
- Control PEGDMA concentration carefully when comparing crosslink density or swelling behavior among formulations
- Use consistent photoinitiator concentration and irradiation conditions when comparing photocured samples
- Control oxygen exposure when surface conversion is important to the experiment
- Characterize conversion, swelling, or mechanical properties using methods appropriate to the research objective
- Use small-scale experiments when establishing new polymerization or curing conditions
Handling & Storage
- Store at 4°C in a cool, well-ventilated location
- Keep the container tightly closed when not in use
- Protect from moisture during storage
- Handle with good laboratory ventilation or in a chemical fume hood
- Wear protective gloves, safety glasses, and suitable protective clothing
- Avoid breathing mist or vapors generated during handling
- Avoid contact with the skin and eyes
- Avoid release to the environment
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FAQ
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1. What is PEGDMA 600 used for?
PEGDMA 600 is a difunctional methacrylate crosslinker used in free-radical polymerization, photopolymerized hydrogels, and PEG-based polymer network research.
2. What does the “600” in PEGDMA 600 mean?
The 600 designation refers to the nominal molecular weight of the poly(ethylene glycol) block. It should not be interpreted as the molecular weight of a single discrete PEGDMA molecule because PEG-based macromonomers contain a distribution of chain lengths.
3. Is PEGDMA 600 the same as PEG 600?
No. PEG 600 is poly(ethylene glycol) with hydroxyl end groups. PEGDMA 600 contains methacrylate functionality at both ends of the PEG segment, allowing it to participate in free-radical polymerization and crosslinking.
4. Is PEGDMA the same as PEGDA?
No. PEGDMA contains terminal methacrylate groups, whereas PEGDA contains terminal acrylate groups. The additional methyl substituent in a methacrylate changes the polymerizable functionality, so PEGDMA and PEGDA should not be treated as interchangeable crosslinkers.
5. Is PEGDMA 600 a crosslinker?
Yes. PEGDMA 600 contains two terminal methacrylate groups. Polymerization of both groups enables the formation of covalent connections between polymer chains and the development of crosslinked networks.
6. What are the viscosity and density of PEGDMA 600?
PEGDMA 600 has a viscosity of 60.0–80.0 cP at 25°C and a density of 1.101 g/mL.
7. Does PEGDMA 600 contain a polymerization inhibitor?
Yes. PEGDMA 600 contains approximately 1,000 ppm MEHQ. Account for the inhibitor when establishing radical polymerization or photopolymerization conditions.
8. How can I request a larger quantity of PEGDMA 600?
For larger-volume requirements, use the bulk-quote option.
Safety & Documentation
PEGDMA 600 is harmful if inhaled and can cause skin and eye irritation. Use good laboratory ventilation and wear protective gloves, safety glasses, and suitable protective clothing. Store at 4°C, protect from moisture, and keep the container tightly closed. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet and lot-specific documentation for complete handling, storage, disposal, and quality information.
