Dimethylolurea

Dimethylolurea (CAS 140-95-4), also known commercially as DMU, is a methylol-functional urea derivative used as a reactive intermediate and crosslinking agent across textile, paper, and polymer applications. It introduces durable network structures into coatings, resins, and treated substrates by reacting with hydroxyl- and amino-functional materials under heat or acid catalysis during the manufacturing process.

In textile finishing, DMU is applied to cellulosic fabrics to impart crease resistance and dimensional stability in durable press treatments. Paper manufacturers incorporate it into wet-strength resin systems. In these systems, it crosslinks fiber networks to improve resistance to moisture-induced degradation. Coating and adhesive formulators use DMU as a reactive monomer to build urea-formaldehyde-type resin systems.

These systems offer controlled cure profiles for various industrial uses. In polymer processing, it functions as a building block for modified resins where lower formaldehyde release is a formulation priority. Dimethylolurea is supplied as a white crystalline powder or as aqueous solution, with concentration typically ranging from 50–60% in liquid form. Technical grade is the standard commercial specification.

Material meeting specific textile or paper industry purity requirements is available from select producers. Buyers should confirm methylol content and free formaldehyde levels when evaluating grades for compliance.