Ethylene glycol dimethacrylate

Ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA, CAS 97-90-5) is a bifunctional methacrylate monomer also known by the trade name Sartomer SR 206 and the synonym glycol dimethacrylate. It carries no assigned E-code and is classified under HS code 29161490. Its two reactive methacrylate groups make it chemically distinct from monofunctional acrylate monomers.

In polymer systems, EGDMA functions as a crosslinker by reacting through both methacrylate groups during free-radical polymerisation, forming covalent bridges between polymer chains. This mechanism is applied in UV-curable coatings to increase surface hardness and solvent resistance, and in acrylic adhesive formulations to control gel fraction and cohesive strength. It is also used in ion-exchange resin manufacture to set network density.

EGDMA is supplied as an inhibited liquid grade for industrial use and is registered under REACH. Suppliers typically offer packaging in drums and IBCs. Buyers should confirm inhibitor type and concentration, as these affect shelf life and processing conditions in reactive formulations.