1,4-Butanediol Dimethacrylate, often shortened to BDDMA, works as a crosslinking agent in many synthetic materials. I’ve seen it pop up in polymer research, resin applications, and dental materials. Structurally, it’s a di-functional methacrylate ester, featuring two methacrylate groups flanking a butanediol backbone. The chemical formula sits at C12H18O4, with a molecular weight of 226.27 g/mol. Its CAS number is 2082-81-7. The material follows the Harmonized System (HS) Code 29161400, falling under acyclic polycarboxylic acids and derivatives, a common thread running through industrial chemicals.
From my experience, BDDMA usually shows up in liquid form, though sometimes I’ve handled it as a crystalline solid when stored at lower temperatures. The liquid form remains clear, colorless, and mobile, showing a faint, sweet-smelling odor that signals its volatile organic nature. Technicians dealing with raw materials appreciate its low viscosity, which helps blending into resin formulations. The density clocks in around 1.05 g/cm³ at 20°C. The substance doesn’t present itself as powder, flakes, or pearls—its main applications rely on its flow properties in liquid form for reliable addition to polymer matrices or for resin formulations. For laboratory storage, you typically see it in tightly capped glass bottles or drums to prevent evaporation and accidental polymerization due to ambient light.
Examining the structure closely, BDDMA consists of a straight-chained butanediol core flanked by two methacrylate functional groups. This setup allows the material to bridge long-chain polymers, creating crosslinks that lend rigidity and toughness to finished products. The double-bonded methacrylate groups take well to UV or peroxide-initiated curing—this quick, reliable response often gets exploited in the manufacture of high-strength adhesives, dental composites, and 3D printing resins. BDDMA helps improve dimensional stability—meaning, once polymerized, the resulting network resists swelling and creep. In practice, that translates to surfaces that hold up under thermal and mechanical stress, a real advantage in engineering plastics and composites. The refractive index hovers around 1.449, and this has implications in clear resin formulations for optics and coatings.
If you’ve worked with acrylates or methacrylate monomers, you know about the risks. BDDMA carries hazards of skin and eye irritation, especially for people with repeated exposure. Its vapor can cause headaches or dizziness in poorly ventilated areas; spilled liquid feels slippery and can make floors dangerous. Proper chemical gloves, safety glasses, and local exhaust ventilation make a difference here. Classified as hazardous under GHS guidelines, it demands respect in the lab or factory. The flash point usually sits around 110°C. Store it cool, dry, and out of light to prevent slow polymerization that could gum up storage containers. For larger operations, spill kits, absorbent pads, and emergency eyewashes are standard, and training can’t be skipped. Waste material disposal follows local chemical waste regulations, as you don’t want methacrylate monomers entering groundwater or municipal water.
BDDMA serves as a raw material in polymer synthesis and specialty coatings. I’ve seen manufacturers use it to balance flexibility and stiffness in acrylic plastics. In dental resin manufacturing, the material boosts crosslink density, which means longer-lasting fillings and crowns for patients. Industrial adhesives, especially two-part epoxies for electronics, rely on BDDMA to extend working time yet set up hard and fast on demand. UV-curable inks and coatings draw on BDDMA’s ability to rapidly crosslink, giving durable, chemical-resistant films. It forms part of reactive diluent blends, helping adjust viscosity and curing profiles in advanced composites. High strength, toughness, and thermal resistance show why BDDMA keeps its spot on the raw materials list for formulators tasked with robust product performance, such as in wind turbine blades, aerospace components, or medical devices.
Tough regulation, rising costs, and environmental pressures affect BDDMA use every year. The material’s volatility and toxicity call for tighter workplace controls, adding compliance costs. As someone who’s tracked green chemistry initiatives, I’ve noticed more research pairing BDDMA alternatives or renewable-content crosslinkers—yet, for now, its mechanical profile and processing ease keep it relevant. Engineering teams in plastics are tweaking formulations to limit emissions and safer handling as regulations evolve. Solutions for increased safety range from automated closed mixing systems to investment in improved practitioner training, combined with regular health checks for workers. Industries face trade-offs between performance and environmental stewardship, but innovation continues to balance these priorities. In the meantime, knowledge of BDDMA, its handling, and its role in materials science matters to get the most from its chemistry while reducing downsides for people and the planet.
