Triethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate, often abbreviated as TEGDMA, brings plenty of versatility to the chemical and manufacturing world. The name might sound a little intimidating, but this liquid chemical shapes much of what we encounter in adhesives, resins, dental composites, and coatings. Each molecule comes from repeating units, giving the product structure a backbone that merges flexibility with hardness once polymerized. Everyday products rarely call attention to the ingredients used in their build. TEGDMA stands out in these streams because its molecule—C14H22O6—delivers strong cross-linking, letting materials maintain shape and strength without sacrificing movement. The HS Code for Triethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate is 29161400, helping customs and supply chains identify it in global transport and trade.
Manufacturers and users alike rely on its transparent liquid form. At room temperature, TEGDMA appears clear, with a density close to 1.09 g/cm3. You won’t see this chemical sold as flakes, powder, pearls, or solid crystals in standard distribution, which sets it apart from many industrial raw materials. It acts as a colorless liquid and offers a distinctive, slightly sweet smell that one quickly learns to recognize in labs or workshops. The usual purity hits around 98% or higher, and the specific molecular weight lands near 286.32 g/mol. Packing, shipping, and safe storage require keeping this liquid material tightly sealed and away from light, since strong UV rays prompt polymerization—a property that keeps industries on their toes when storing bulk supplies.
Taking a closer look at the structure, TEGDMA includes two methacrylate end groups, enabling it to work as a cross-linking agent. The structure isn’t just interesting on paper; it directly shapes how the material performs in resins and polymers. Once mixed and cured, those methacrylate units lock into place with other monomers, giving products high resistance to wear and tear. This chemical’s dual-reactive groups make it a go-to in dental applications, where fillings and sealants need to survive heavy use. People often talk about the molecular formula C14H22O6 as a way to showcase how much carbon and oxygen are packed into a single molecule, but the most important part for users is what that structure will do after mixing or curing in industrial or lab environments.
In the world of industrial production, TEGDMA matters for more than its name. Dental professionals mix it into filling materials, sealants, and cements, helping them set up hard, durable surfaces that still allow minor flexibility in the mouth. The electronics and coatings fields count on its ability to boost mechanical properties. Each drum or liter sold comes with clear paperwork about purity, hazard ratings, and use guidelines. Product specifications point toward viscosity ranges, refractive index, and detailed standards for impurities. This chemical doesn’t belong in every project. It’s meant for people who can handle, measure, and mix it with care, keeping in mind material compatibility and safety at every step.
People who deal with TEGDMA need to understand that it qualifies as a hazardous chemical. While it won’t catch fire easily, it can cause skin and eye irritation on contact and may become harmful if inhaled or ingested. Longer exposures risk allergic reactions, especially for people with skin sensitivities. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) call for gloves, goggles, and good ventilation. Spill control teams and emergency responders keep absorbent pads and protective gear on hand, just in case accidents occur. Even in settings where the product gets used daily, teams work to limit airborne vapors and prevent skin contact. Following regulations and disposal rules supports workplace safety and environmental responsibility. It reminds everyone to take respect of chemicals seriously—especially when repeated exposure could build up risks over time.
In composite manufacturing and product design, TEGDMA serves as a raw material that brings reliable cross-linking for high-performance end uses. Its balance between low viscosity and high reactivity means it can flow into complex molds, mix with fillers, or reinforce challenging forms. Each liter can transform polymer networks, pushing product designers toward new ideas that would fall flat with old-fashioned monomers. The attention to detail with handling and quality testing makes the difference for end products, whether they land in dental clinics, electronics, or specialty adhesives. Reliable supply, consistently checked for purity and chemical hazards, lets industries build better and safer tools from the ground up, even as stricter regulations and higher safety standards change the landscape.
