PEGdiacrylat

PEG diacrylate, commonly abbreviated PEGDA, is a diacrylate-terminated polyether derived from poly(ethylene glycol). It consists of a PEG backbone with acrylate groups at both ends, enabling rapid, network-forming polymerization when exposed to radical initiators and light or heat. Different PEG chain lengths (reflected in the average molecular weight) yield PEGDA materials with a range of hydrophilicity, swelling behavior, and mechanical properties.

In aqueous or solvent environments, PEGDA is typically water-soluble or highly dispersible, and its polymerization proceeds through free-radical mechanisms. Photoinitiated polymerization is widely used, making PEGDA a popular crosslinker in UV- or visible-light curing systems. The resulting networks are often hydrogels with tunable porosity and stiffness, controlled by PEG chain length, concentration, and crosslink density. PEGDA is valued for its biocompatibility and relatively low protein adsorption, attributes important for biomedical applications.

Common applications include hydrogel formation for tissue engineering and cell encapsulation, drug delivery vehicles, dental and surgical adhesives, coatings, and components in microfluidic devices and 3D printing resins. The material properties can be tailored by selecting different PEGMW and functionalization, enabling customizable swelling, mechanical strength, and degradation profiles when used with degradable initiators or co-monomers.

Handling considerations include potential irritation from acrylate groups and residual monomer toxicity, so proper purification and safe handling are advised. Storage typically requires protection from light and moisture, depending on formulation.

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