PHOTOMER 4061

CAS Number: 42978-66-5.
EC Number: 256-032-2.
Molecular Formula: C15H24O6 (underlying TPGDA substance; commercial technical material may contain isomers and stabilizer).
Molecular Weight: Approximately 300.35 g/mol (molecular TPGDA; published PHOTOMER 4061 sheet rounds to 300.3 g/mol).
INCI Name: Not established as a relevant commercial designation for this industrial radiation-curing grade; cosmetic suitability is not implied.
E Number / INS Number: Not applicable.
Boiling Point: Not reliably established as a grade-specific atmospheric-pressure specification; published estimated substance values should not be substituted for product test data.
Melting Point: Not reliably established as a single grade-specific value; the product data sheet cautions that the liquid may congeal or stratify at low temperature.
Viscosity: 10-17 mPa.s dynamic viscosity at 25 °C, Brookfield/ISO 2555, in the published 2016 product data sheet; current product listing gives a typical 13 mPa.s at 25 °C.
Density: 1.030-1.050 g/cm3 at 25 °C in the published PHOTOMER 4061 sheet, given there under 'specific gravity'.

COMMON PRODUCT AND CHEMICAL NAMES

PHOTOMER 4061
Tripropylene glycol diacrylate
Tri(propylene glycol) diacrylate
TPGDA
Tripropyleneglycol diacrylate
2-Propenoic acid, (1-methyl-1,2-ethanediyl)bis[oxy(methyl-2,1-ethanediyl)] ester

PHOTOMER 4061 is a particular commercial designation, whereas tripropylene glycol diacrylate and TPGDA identify the underlying substance family. Alternative TPGDA grades can differ in isomer distribution, inhibitor chemistry, color, residual solvent, water and specification limits, even if they share CAS 42978-66-5. PHOTOMER 4061 LT, TF or other suffix-bearing variants should not be assumed to have identical specifications or claims without their own documents.

WHAT IS PHOTOMER 4061?

PHOTOMER 4061 is a low-viscosity, difunctional acrylic monomer supplied primarily as a reactive ingredient for formulations that cure under ultraviolet radiation or electron beams. The manufacturer describes it as low odor, relatively easy to blend with typical radiation-curable oligomers and capable of forming glossy cured films with both hardness and flexibility. These are useful product-selection indicators rather than universal numerical guarantees.

The expression reactive diluent is important. Unlike a volatile solvent whose principal job is to thin a formulation and then leave it, a reactive acrylate monomer is designed to be consumed in polymerization and become part of the cured film. Formulations can still release other volatile ingredients and can still retain unreacted monomer when conversion is incomplete, so this functional distinction should not be treated as a zero-emission or zero-migration certification.

TPGDA can reduce viscosity in a relatively high-molecular-weight urethane-acrylate, epoxy-acrylate or polyester-acrylate mixture. It also changes the concentration and distribution of reactive double bonds, thus affecting cure behavior, network stiffness, extensibility and stress. The same addition may improve coating transfer in one system but reduce adhesion or increase residual stress in another.

PHOTOMER 4061 is a monomer and should not be described as a stand-alone photoinitiator, finished adhesive or complete coating. Under UV illumination, a properly selected initiating system is normally needed; EB technology can generate reactive species through electron irradiation, subject to the engineering and safety requirements of that process.

CAS NUMBER, EC / EINECS NUMBER AND CHEMICAL IDENTIFICATION

Main Product Name: PHOTOMER 4061
Underlying Chemical: Tripropylene glycol diacrylate (TPGDA)
CAS Number: 42978-66-5
EC / EINECS Number: 256-032-2
Molecular Formula: C15H24O6
Nominal Molecular Weight: 300.35 g/mol (300.3 g/mol in the published product sheet)
Functional Groups: Two acrylate ester groups; three propylene glycol-derived units, including ether linkages
Polymerizable Functionality: 2 carbon-carbon double bonds per molecule
Product Type: Liquid, difunctional reactive monomer and diluent
Principal Curing Family: Free-radical UV and electron-beam polymerization
Typical Application Markets: Coatings, graphic arts, selected adhesives and industrial UV/EB systems

The identifiers refer to the underlying chemical identity and do not define every aspect of commercial quality. Technical TPGDA can contain a distribution of regioisomers arising from propylene glycol-derived units, and the commercial material may also include inhibitor and trace residuals needed for stability or associated with manufacture. Supplier-issued analytical specifications and a lot-specific certificate are necessary for more precise composition information.

The cured polymer is a different material from uncured TPGDA monomer. Crosslinking incorporates reactive groups into a network, but it does not justify assuming that all double bonds disappear or that the finished film is free of potentially extractable low-molecular-weight substances. Where extractables or migration are critical, they must be measured in the actual finished article using an appropriate test design.

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERISTICS

The two end groups of TPGDA are derived from acrylic acid esterification of the hydroxyl-bearing ends of a tripropylene glycol chain. Each acrylate moiety contains a vinyl group, CH2=CH-, conjugated to an ester carbonyl. In a radical process, those unsaturated groups can undergo chain-growth addition and eventually connect polymer segments, generating a three-dimensional network when sufficient intermolecular bonds form.

Tripropylene glycol is not equivalent to a straight hexamethylene chain. Ether oxygen atoms and pendant methyl groups give TPGDA a different polarity, segmental mobility, packing tendency and solvation behavior compared with 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate (HDDA). These structural differences help explain why two low-viscosity difunctional monomers can provide different compatibility, cured-film modulus, shrinkage or adhesion in the same base resin.

Difunctionality means there are two potentially polymerizable acrylate groups; it does not mean that every TPGDA molecule inevitably connects exactly two distinct network chains. Some groups can remain unreacted, intramolecular cycles can form and vitrification can restrict mobility. Real crosslink density depends on conversion, other reactants, process conditions, temperature and network architecture.

The molecular formula is applicable to the nominal TPGDA substance but not necessarily to an analytical average of all commercial regioisomers and residual constituents. It is also inappropriate to assign the 300.35 g/mol monomer mass to the final cured polymer as though the coating were still composed of discrete uncrosslinked molecules.

PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Appearance: Clean, clear liquid, according to the published PHOTOMER 4061 product sheet.
Chemical Class: Difunctional aliphatic polyether-based diacrylate.
Molecular Formula of Main Chemical: C15H24O6.
Molar Mass: 300.35 g/mol, nominal TPGDA molecule.
Dynamic Viscosity at 25 °C: 10-17 mPa.s; Brookfield, ISO 2555; published 2016 grade sheet.
Typical Dynamic Viscosity at 25 °C: 13 mPa.s in the current online product listing; a typical point value, not a separate specification limit.
Color: APHA / Hazen 50 maximum; published grade sheet.
Acid Value: 0.5 mg KOH/g maximum; published grade sheet.
Moisture Content: 0.2% maximum; Karl Fischer, ISO 4317 cited in the published grade sheet.
Inhibitor Content: 400 ppm maximum by spectrophotometric analysis; inhibitor type and minimum or target level are not established by that single figure.
Residual Solvent Content: 1000 ppm maximum by gas chromatography in the published grade sheet.
Density at 25 °C: 1.030-1.050 g/cm3 in the published grade sheet; its heading uses 'specific gravity' despite listing density units.
Refractive Index at 25 °C: 1.4475-1.4505 in the published grade sheet.
Typical Surface Tension at 25 °C: 32 mN/m in a published product-family guide, as a comparative product-guide figure rather than an individual batch limit.
Typical Homopolymer Glass-Transition Temperature: Approximately 64 °C in a published product-family guide; this is a cured-polymer comparative figure, not the melting point of the uncured monomer.
Acrylate Functionality: 2.
Water Solubility: Limited; a separate TPGDA laboratory grade lists approximately 0.36 g/L at 25 °C, not a grade-specific PHOTOMER 4061 specification.
Boiling Point: No reliably established PHOTOMER 4061 grade specification in the cited product sheet; avoid relying on estimated substance values for process safety.
Melting / Freezing Point: No single reliably verified PHOTOMER 4061 figure; the sheet notes possible congealing or stratification under cold conditions.
Flash Point: Not specified in the cited PHOTOMER 4061 sheet. A separate stabilized TPGDA laboratory product reports 172 °C, but this does not establish the flash point of the offered PHOTOMER 4061 lot.
Vapor Pressure: No verified PHOTOMER 4061 product specification stated in the published sheet.
pH: Not applicable as an intrinsic numerical property of the neat nonaqueous monomer; solution conditions would be required.
Shelf Life: The published 2016 sheet states at least 12 months when stored as recommended; current labeling and documents govern a delivered batch.
Packaging Reference: A historical manufacturer sheet mentions 200 kg drums and IBCs; current packaging availability requires supplier confirmation.

The numerical ranges are anchored to a published manufacturer product data sheet dated 19 February 2016, version 007. They are useful screening information, not a claim that every current production lot has been verified against the identical historical specification. A current TDS and batch-specific certificate of analysis should be used to determine acceptance limits in purchasing contracts.

When comparing viscosities, the test temperature is essential: a change in temperature can significantly change apparent flow behavior. The 10-17 mPa.s grade interval and 13 mPa.s current typical listing are not conflicting claims; the point value sits within the historical interval. Another published product guide gives approximately 14 mPa.s for the 4061/4061 LT family, which is also a comparative typical value rather than a batch acceptance requirement.

A published product guide reports approximately 64 °C as the glass-transition temperature for a TPGDA-derived cured homopolymer. That information should never be placed in a melting-point field for the liquid monomer. Glass transition describes a change in segmental mobility of a polymer network and depends on conversion and curing history, whereas a liquid monomer freezing or crystallization point is a separate property.

HOW DOES PHOTOMER 4061 WORK AT THE MOLECULAR LEVEL?

In the uncured mixture, the monomer molecules occupy space among much larger oligomers and resin segments. Their low intrinsic viscosity and useful miscibility can reduce the viscosity of the complete blend, helping a liquid coating spread, wet the substrate and pass through appropriate application equipment. The amount of viscosity reduction is formulation dependent: oligomer chemistry, pigments, fillers, temperature, interactions and additive packages can dominate the measured result.

When radiation excites a suitable UV photoinitiator, the resulting radicals add to carbon-carbon double bonds of TPGDA and other acrylate species. Propagation forms carbon-carbon links, while reactions involving both acrylate groups connect larger molecular assemblies into a polymer network. The process may occur rapidly in industrial curing equipment, but the attainable conversion varies with light delivery, initiation efficiency, oxygen, layer thickness and the complete composition.

EB curing supplies energetic electrons that can generate initiating species directly. EB-curable systems do not necessarily need the same conventional photoinitiator system as UV coatings, although beam penetration, dose, oxygen exposure, line speed and safe equipment operation still require engineering qualification. An EB formulation is not automatically interchangeable with a UV-LED formulation.

Oxygen near an exposed acrylate surface competes for radicals and can retard surface polymerization. In pigmented coatings, UV-absorbing pigments and fillers may further reduce the dose reaching the depth of the film. Consequently, a coating may have a seemingly dry topcoat while retaining uncured species underneath, or it may show surface tack despite improved subsurface conversion; testing must examine both through-cure and surface-cure.

Curing is exothermic, and premature radical polymerization of stored monomer can generate dangerous heat. Inhibitors, clean handling systems and protective storage conditions mitigate unintended polymerization risks; they do not remove the need to avoid contamination, excess heat or unsuitable storage. During controlled use, the formulator must also consider how an inhibitor affects initiation or light-cure response.

UV CURING, UV-LED CURING AND ELECTRON-BEAM CURING

Conventional UV curing is defined by the useful wavelength band, energy delivery, irradiance, exposure and the photochemistry of the initiator system. PHOTOMER 4061 supplies reactive acrylate groups but is not the light-absorbing photoinitiator in a normal radical-initiated system. Formulators need to match the initiator, optical absorption and cure depth to the actual lamp or LED output.

UV-LED devices generally emit a narrower spectral band than broad-spectrum lamps. Converting a formula from one source to another may change initiator requirements and the balance of surface and through-cure. This does not reflect a change in the identity of TPGDA; rather, the chosen initiation package and available radiation determine the reaction.

EB curing uses electron energy to initiate reactions in appropriately designed radiation-curable compositions, often allowing use without the same photoinitiator requirements. Its merits and constraints include capital equipment, dose distribution, oxygen management, sensitive substrates, line geometry and regulatory radiation safety. No generic dose, conveyor speed or layer thickness should be assumed from monomer identity alone.

In all three routes, faster apparent tack-free cure is only one criterion. Total conversion, hardness, scratch resistance, adhesion, flexibility, residual substances and long-term aging should be measured against application-specific requirements. A good result in a clear, thin film does not automatically predict performance in a pigmented, thick or filled film.

WHICH INDUSTRIES USE PHOTOMER 4061?

Established end-use sectors include printing and graphic arts, industrial wood finishing, clear and pigmented protective coatings, paper or board surface treatments, coatings for selected plastics and metals, and UV/EB-formulated adhesives. The producer also lists electronics and inkjet among market applications, but that listing does not by itself certify compatibility with every electronic part, jetting head, printed-food packaging or sensitive substrate.

The unifying technical need is the ability to apply a liquid formulation at a workable viscosity and then develop a mechanically useful film rapidly through an energy-curing process. The ingredient is not normally selected as a generic household solvent or as a stand-alone consumer-applied liquid; it belongs in professionally designed industrial formulations with appropriate protective controls.

Use in packaging decoration, label production or converting requires extra evaluation of residual chemicals and migration. A material's presence in a graphic-arts product portfolio does not amount to general approval for direct food contact, medical packaging or unrestricted consumer exposure. The intended market must always be reconciled with current regional rules and finished-article testing.

PHOTOMER 4061 IN UV/EB TOPCOATS AND CLEAR COATINGS

PHOTOMER 4061 can lower a topcoat blend's viscosity while becoming chemically bound into the film during properly managed curing. This is valuable when oligomer-rich formulations are too thick for the application method or when a smooth, even appearance is necessary at high line speed. The published description of PHOTOMER 4061 highlights coating hardness, gloss and flexibility, all of which remain sensitive to formulation and cure conditions.

In a clear coating, optical uniformity, refractive behavior, haze, surface defects and film thickness can strongly influence the perceived appearance. Low monomer viscosity helps adjustment of flow, but bubble release, substrate energy, wetting additives and coating-head geometry also matter. A clear substrate does not guarantee good adhesion; differences in surface chemistry and contamination can override favorable monomer flow characteristics.

The manufacturer specifically describes good abrasion and scuff resistance and flexibility for cured material derived from this monomer. These statements motivate screening but do not establish a numerical abrasion-loss value or scratch-hardness rating for every formulated product. Standardized abrasion, rub, bend, hardness and adhesion tests are needed to substantiate claims on a finished coating.

PHOTOMER 4061 IN WOOD COATINGS AND FLOOR FINISHES

Radiation-curable wood coatings are a principal commercial application for low-viscosity multifunctional acrylates. PHOTOMER 4061 may improve application flow in a coating built around oligomers that contribute adhesion, toughness or chemical resistance. It can be screened in UV clear coats, topcoats and other industrial finishing operations where the required process and substrate conditions can be controlled.

Wood is heterogeneous, contains pores and can expand or contract with environmental moisture. A formulation must balance the cure speed and hardness of the film with stress, crack resistance, edge coverage and adhesion to various wood species, veneers or sealed surfaces. Adding more reactive diluent to reduce viscosity may alter penetration and final crosslink behavior, so coating performance needs testing on the intended panels.

Applications involving furniture or flooring also demand testing of surface appearance, mar and scuff resistance, household chemical resistance and long-term durability. Such results depend on the total resin package, not only the PHOTOMER 4061 fraction. Production qualification should include real line speed, lamp maintenance, wood pretreatment and the properties of the cured coating after adequate conditioning.

PHOTOMER 4061 IN PAPER, BOARD AND OVERPRINT VARNISHES

The manufacturer explicitly identifies UV/EB overprint varnishes and topcoats for paper among the intended uses. In these systems, low-viscosity TPGDA can contribute to smooth film formation and a useful balance of surface finish and cured performance. Paper porosity and absorption make coating design especially important because uncured components can penetrate the substrate before they react.

Varnish adhesion, rub resistance, blocking behavior, gloss, flexibility during creasing and abrasion after handling are separate properties that require testing. An overprint varnish that looks glossy immediately after processing may still fail after folding or storage if conversion, substrate binding or surface slip are inadequate. The curing and coating-weight conditions should reflect actual press operation.

For any package that could contact food or other sensitive goods, application in graphic arts alone is insufficient evidence of compliance. Full formulation review, barrier assessment, residual monomer testing, migration studies and the applicable national legal framework must be assessed before such use. No blanket food-contact or low-migration claim is made for PHOTOMER 4061 by the information cited here.

PHOTOMER 4061 IN PRINTING INKS AND GRAPHIC ARTS

High-speed radiation-curable printing can benefit from reactive monomers that reduce viscosity without relying solely on evaporative dilution. PHOTOMER 4061 is used as an ingredient in selected UV/EB graphic-arts inks, where resin compatibility, wetting, pigment concentration and rapid cure are important. Lower blend viscosity may support a particular press process, but no one viscosity value is optimal for every flexographic, screen, lithographic or inkjet system.

Pigments scatter and absorb incident radiation, while photoinitiator absorption competes for light. The appropriate initiator selection, color strength, pigment surface treatment, ink film thickness and UV delivery should therefore be studied together. A formulation that cures well as a clear varnish cannot be assumed to cure through a dense black or opaque white ink layer.

Inkjet applications have additional limitations involving droplet formation, nozzle compatibility, contamination control and long-term printhead stability. Even though inkjet appears in the commercial product listing, the monomer alone is not a finished jettable ink, and the listing does not establish suitability for any particular printhead or printing mode. Before adoption, assess particle cleanliness, viscosity at actual operating temperature, surface tension and exposure of sensitive components.

PHOTOMER 4061 IN PLASTIC FILMS AND FLEXIBLE SUBSTRATES

PHOTOMER 4061 is listed for flexible plastic film topcoats and various plastic-coating applications. The flexible ether-containing spacer makes TPGDA a logical material to screen when a coating needs more elongation or bend tolerance than some highly crosslinking alternatives can supply. Nevertheless, a difunctional monomer is not the same as a plasticizer, and high crosslink density can still produce a brittle film.

Flexible substrates may be difficult to wet or bond when their surface energy is low. Corona treatment, plasma treatment, primers and substrate-specific surface preparation may be required. The coating should be evaluated for adhesion, fold or bend resistance, shrinkage, heat sealing interactions and compatibility with downstream converting, not just surface cure.

Temperature effects, residual stresses and the mechanical modulus of the finished network are particularly important on thin plastic films. Excess shrinkage may cause curling or distortion, while inadequate cure can lead to tack or blocking when rolls are wound. The formulator must optimize all reactive ingredients in the actual production geometry.

PHOTOMER 4061 IN METAL COATINGS

PHOTOMER 4061 is marketed for metal topcoats and related industrial coatings in which thin, fast-curing films are beneficial. Good flow and leveling help develop a uniform surface, while the cured network contributes to the coating's protective performance. Actual resistance to corrosion, solvents and abrasion depends strongly on metal pretreatment, primers and coating chemistry.

Metal substrates can differ markedly in oxide formation, cleanliness and coating adhesion. A TPGDA-based formulation may work on a pretreated metal panel yet fail on untreated alloy surfaces. Crosshatch or pull-off adhesion tests, appropriate corrosion exposure and thermal cycling can determine whether the finished system meets an intended specification.

When coating metal components, consider shadows, cavities and other areas that the incident radiation may not reach sufficiently. The need for complete cure can become more complex on three-dimensional shapes than on flat laboratory panels. PHOTOMER 4061 does not itself solve geometric cure limitations.

PHOTOMER 4061 IN UV/EB-CURABLE ADHESIVES

TPGDA can act as a reactive viscosity reducer and network-forming comonomer in selected radiation-curable adhesives. Such formulations may use multifunctional oligomers for cohesive strength and monomers to adjust flow, tack development and cure response. The manufacturer lists adhesives as an application market, but the chemistry must be matched to the joint, adherends and available irradiation.

An adhesive requires sufficient wetting before cure, adequate adhesion to the surfaces and suitable stress distribution after cure. Excessive rigidification or polymerization shrinkage may weaken the bond despite a fast cure. Different adhesives prioritize peel resistance, shear strength, toughness, creep resistance or thermal endurance, so there is no universal optimal level of TPGDA.

An opaque joint or a substrate that blocks UV may prevent a light-cured adhesive from hardening throughout the bonding area. EB processing, alternative initiating systems or different adhesive chemistry could be needed depending on the joint design. Cure validation should demonstrate performance at the intended bond-line thickness and with actual substrate transmission characteristics.

PHOTOMER 4061 IN ELECTRONICS AND TECHNICAL COATINGS

Electronics is included in the published market listing for PHOTOMER 4061. Potential formulation contexts include radiation-curable protective layers, specialty inks and technical coatings where rheology, cured-film strength and coating speed are relevant. This category designation does not establish electronic-grade ionic purity, dielectric performance, corrosion safety or suitability for a specific printed-circuit or device application.

Sensitive components require more stringent control of ionic contamination, particles, extractables, cure byproducts and long-term aging than general-purpose coatings. If an electrical or optical specification is important, choose an actual grade and document the necessary tests rather than assuming normal industrial specifications are sufficient. The chemical identity alone cannot substantiate performance at high humidity, during thermal cycling or under electrical bias.

Technical coatings may also expose diverse substrates such as plastics, glass or treated metals. Adhesion, thickness control, refractive properties and resistance to cleaning chemicals require the full system to be tested after curing. Any medical-device or direct biological-contact claims need their own formal evaluation and cannot be inferred from a monomer product listing.

PHOTOMER 4061 IN THREE-DIMENSIONAL PRINTING AND SPECIALTY UV RESINS

TPGDA is chemically suitable for evaluation as a reactive component in some free-radical, photocurable resin technologies, including experimental additive-manufacturing formulations. Its small-molecule viscosity and two acrylate groups can influence flow, light-response kinetics and the mechanical behavior of a cured object. This is a broader potential use of TPGDA chemistry rather than a representation that PHOTOMER 4061 has a validated specification for every three-dimensional printing platform.

Vat photopolymerization, for instance, imposes stringent requirements on optical penetration, cure depth, viscosity, shrinkage and release forces. Fast reaction is not sufficient if the part distorts, becomes brittle, traps unreacted components or adheres excessively to the vat. Mechanical testing and residual monomer analysis are especially important for thick printed objects.

No medical, dental, skin-contact or implant qualification follows from including an acrylate monomer in a photopolymer. These uses require independent material selection, biocompatibility testing and regulatory validation. Uncured TPGDA must be handled with controls for skin irritation and sensitization even when the finished article is ultimately intended for consumer use.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS AND PERFORMANCE

Several performance dimensions arise from the combination of low liquid viscosity and two reactive acrylate groups. In processing, lower viscosity may support pumping, coating transfer, flow-out and spreading, especially when the base oligomer mixture would otherwise be difficult to handle. In curing, the monomer's ability to incorporate into a network can improve strength, cohesive integrity and resistance properties, but only under adequate conversion.

The manufacturer describes film properties including useful flexibility, gloss, abrasion and scuff resistance. These features can make the material attractive for varnishes or surface coatings where appearance and durability are important. Their actual magnitude is not an inherent single-number property of TPGDA; the surrounding resin, conversion, film thickness, substrate and test method must all be specified.

Surface tension is a comparative guide to the behavior of neat material and not a substitute for wetting tests on the finished mixture. A published product guide provides approximately 32 mN/m at 25 °C, but surfactants, pigments and resins can change the final formulation's measured value. Dynamic wetting can differ from equilibrium behavior, especially during rapid application.

A published product guide also lists a typical cured homopolymer Tg around 64 °C. That number indicates why the monomer can contribute to properties beyond mere viscosity reduction, but it does not predict the Tg of an oligomer-rich cured network. Blend composition and cure history may yield a very different glass-transition range and mechanical response.

Performance claims should be linked to tests rather than marketing descriptors alone. Useful measurements include rheology at process temperatures, FTIR double-bond conversion, hardness, abrasion loss, gloss, haze, crosshatch adhesion, tensile or bend properties, chemical resistance, extraction or migration, and residual monomer. Only tests appropriate to the application should be selected.

WHAT PROBLEMS CAN PHOTOMER 4061 HELP ADDRESS?

High viscosity is a common obstacle when formulating coatings from viscous multifunctional oligomers. PHOTOMER 4061 offers a documented low-viscosity reactive component that may bring the blend into a workable coating or printing range without needing the same evaporative solvent load. Whether the resulting mix is suitable must be checked under real mixing and processing conditions.

Poor flow-out, uneven varnish application and inadequate wetting can sometimes improve when the formulation viscosity is balanced appropriately. Such improvements are not guaranteed because surface contamination, rheological modifiers, interfacial tension and equipment settings may be the dominant limitations. A small set of controlled comparisons is often more informative than adding diluent without defining the failure mechanism.

Some formulations also need a balance of cure speed, gloss, hardness and film flexibility. Difunctional TPGDA chemistry can be considered as a component of that balance. However, a change that improves one target may increase shrinkage, reduce impact resistance or alter adhesion, so a full test matrix should be used rather than judging success solely by fast tack-free cure.

Where a manufacturing line cannot tolerate slow solvent evaporation, energy-curable systems offer an alternative mechanism for film formation. PHOTOMER 4061 participates in such systems, but environmental and workplace outcomes still depend on the entire chemistry, emission controls, unreacted materials and waste practices. No emissions or sustainability certification is inferred from the term reactive diluent.

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS WHEN USING PHOTOMER 4061

Sensitization is a significant occupational concern for uncured acrylate monomers. Even a material described in commercial literature as having moderate skin irritancy can produce allergic skin reactions, so direct contact should be avoided and glove compatibility should be based on the actual SDS, breakthrough information and exposure duration. Gloves, goggles and protective clothing must be maintained and changed when contaminated.

Low viscosity can increase the ease with which liquid reaches skin or penetrates unnoticed openings in equipment. Poorly designed mixing, transfer and dispensing arrangements may create splashes or mists even when the monomer's room-temperature vapor pressure is comparatively low. Engineering containment, ventilation and appropriate respiratory controls should reflect the exposure scenario.

Uncontrolled polymerization is another essential consideration. High heat, contamination by radical initiators or incompatible chemicals, and unsuitable exposure to light can overcome inhibition and lead to exothermic reaction. Containers should not be exposed to direct sunlight or uncontrolled heating, and stored material should not be treated as thermally inert simply because it is a liquid at room temperature.

Water solubility is limited for the underlying TPGDA substance; a separately marketed laboratory grade cites approximately 0.36 g/L at 25 °C. This figure should not be assumed to be a tested specification for PHOTOMER 4061, nor should it justify flushing spills with water into drains. Product mixtures may behave differently and must be tested if water dispersibility is desired.

Regulatory eligibility is end-use specific. A substance with recognized CAS and EC numbers is not automatically suitable for food contact, toys, cosmetics, medical devices or low-migration packaging. Each proposed use requires its own legal review, exposure evaluation and appropriate finished-article data.

FORMULATION DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION APPROACH

Start formulation work with a defined performance problem and a representative base resin. Measure viscosity, appearance and stability of the original system, then evaluate PHOTOMER 4061 against a technically appropriate reactive diluent under consistent test conditions. A comparison without a defined baseline may confuse the effects of monomer structure with those of mixing temperature, pigment loading or other changed ingredients.

Compatibility studies should examine transparency or haze, separation during storage, pigment dispersion behavior, rheology and any reaction with the chosen additive or inhibitor package. The product is documented to have useful solvency with common radiation-curable oligomers, but this is not an assertion of universal miscibility with every binder, polymer or specialty additive.

Next evaluate curing with the actual illumination or EB source, measured energy input and intended film thickness. UV formulations need an appropriate initiation package; LED-specific spectral matching and pigment-related light absorption deserve particular attention. Record surface tack and through-cure separately where possible, because either can create a distinct manufacturing failure.

Finally compare the required cured-film properties, including flexibility, adhesion, hardness, abrasion resistance, gloss, chemical resistance, odor, residual monomer and aging. For a printed or laminated construction, the relevant end-use regulatory and migration tests belong in this qualification step. If the product appears promising, confirm that the available commercial grade meets the expected quality and storage requirements.

No universal PHOTOMER 4061 addition percentage, curing recipe, exposure dose, temperature or processing time is specified here because those quantities depend strongly on the actual formulation and equipment. Presenting invented single-number recipes would be misleading and, for reactive monomers, could introduce safety hazards.

PHOTOMER 4061 COMPARED WITH OTHER REACTIVE DILUENTS

Compared with hexanediol diacrylate (HDDA), PHOTOMER 4061 contains ether-rich propylene glycol-derived spacers rather than a simple six-carbon methylene spacer. Both are difunctional acrylates and both can serve as low-viscosity reactive diluents, but their polarities, solvency, film properties and shrinkage responses need direct evaluation. A published product guide gives typical viscosities of about 14 mPa.s for the 4061 family and about 8 mPa.s for the 4017/HDDA family at 25 °C; these are comparative typical values, not interchangeability guarantees.

Dipropylene glycol diacrylate (DPGDA) is another difunctional ether-containing monomer, but its shorter glycol segment and different molecular mass make it chemically distinct from TPGDA. Published family guides commonly list low viscosities for both, yet the preferred choice will depend on cure rate, film stiffness, flexibility, solvent resistance, compatibility and occupational requirements.

Polyethylene glycol diacrylates can have greater water-related compatibility in certain systems and their average spacer length varies by grade. They are not interchangeable with TPGDA merely because they all contain two acrylate groups. Water sensitivity, final film properties and resin interactions should be tested, particularly for high-humidity or waterborne applications.

Monofunctional acrylates may offer different viscosity, adhesion or flexibility behavior but have only one acrylic reactive group per molecule and therefore influence network connectivity differently. Multifunctional triacrylates, such as trimethylolpropane triacrylate derivatives, can increase crosslinking potential but may change shrinkage, brittleness and irritation hazards. Selection should be based on measured trade-offs, not a simplistic ranking by number of acrylate groups.

Other suppliers' TPGDA grades with CAS 42978-66-5 may be chemically similar yet differ in stabilizer chemistry, solvent residues, color, specifications and documentation. When replacing a grade, verify identity, inhibition, viscosity, cure response, migration or extractables requirements, and actual cured performance. A shared CAS number is a starting point for comparison, not proof of plug-and-play interchangeability.

INITIAL FORMULATION APPROACHES FOR PHOTOMER 4061

The following examples illustrate how PHOTOMER 4061 can be evaluated during formulation and process development. These are proposed laboratory starting approaches, not validated commercial recipes, production instructions or regulatory-compliant final formulations.

PHOTOMER 4061 is a tripropylene glycol diacrylate (TPGDA) grade, CAS 42978-66-5. IGM Resins describes this difunctional acrylate as a reactive diluent that reduces the viscosity of radiation-curable oligomer systems. [1] Its typical neat-product viscosity is reported as 13 mPa·s at 25 °C; this is not the viscosity of the finished formulation. [1] TPGDA participates in acrylate curing; it should not be treated as a non-reactive solvent that simply evaporates.

All percentages below are by weight of the complete trial mixture and refer to raw materials as supplied. The numerical levels are illustrative screening proposals, not IGM Resins dosage recommendations. The same TPGDA chemical identity does not make different supplier grades or pre-diluted resin blends automatically interchangeable. Each composition totals 100%. Use undiluted oligomer grades for these comparisons, or recalculate any monomers already present in supplied oligomer blends. Confirm current specifications, inhibitor information and Safety Data Sheets before work.

The examples concern UV curing. Select the photoinitiator package for the lamp spectrum, film thickness and formulation, and verify that its proposed loading is suitable. Establish a workable exposure window before comparing compositions. Keep measured irradiance, radiant exposure, lamp spectrum, atmosphere and film thickness constant within each initial series. UV-LED, mercury-lamp and electron-beam processes are not interchangeable versions of the same recipe.

EXAMPLE 1: PHOTOMER 4061 DOSAGE SCREENING IN A CLEAR UV WOOD VARNISH

Objective: Assess how replacing part of an oligomer with PHOTOMER 4061 affects application viscosity, film formation, hardness and adhesion.

Starting components:

PHOTOMER 4061 (TPGDA): approximately 20.00%, 30.00% and 40.00% in separate trials.

Compatible aliphatic urethane acrylate oligomer: approximately 75.00%, 65.00% and 55.00%, respectively.

Photoinitiator package matched to the selected UV source: approximately 4.00%, held constant after compatibility assessment.

Compatible leveling additive: approximately 0.50%.

Compatible defoamer: approximately 0.50%.

Wood species, moisture, sanding, sealer and applied film thickness: held constant.

Application approach:

Blend the urethane acrylate oligomer and PHOTOMER 4061 under controlled mixing and temperature conditions.
Incorporate the additives and photoinitiator package under lighting suitable for handling photosensitive mixtures.
Confirm uniform incorporation, then measure viscosity at a defined temperature and shear condition.
Apply equal-thickness films to consistently prepared wood panels, with additional reference panels where required by the test method.
Cure at the established exposure conditions and record substrate temperature.
After identical conditioning, compare tack, hardness, adhesion, gloss and resistance to intended service conditions.
Assess cure using a suitable analytical or validated performance method; surface dryness alone is insufficient.

This is an oligomer-for-TPGDA substitution study, so changes reflect both components. Select PHOTOMER 4061 dosage by balancing application and cured-film properties. Lower viscosity does not automatically mean better adhesion, flexibility or cure. Reassess the curing window after selecting a composition.

EXAMPLE 2: PHOTOMER 4061 REACTIVE-DILUENT BALANCE IN A WHITE UV COATING

Objective: Examine the effect of replacing a monofunctional reactive diluent with PHOTOMER 4061 at constant oligomer and pigment loading.

Starting approach:

PHOTOMER 4061 (TPGDA): approximately 15.00%, 20.00% and 25.00% in separate trials.

Isobornyl acrylate (IBOA): approximately 18.00%, 13.00% and 8.00%, respectively.

Compatible epoxy acrylate oligomer: approximately 40.00%, held constant.

Titanium dioxide suitable for radiation-curable coatings: approximately 20.00%, held constant.

Photoinitiator package selected for the pigmented system and UV source: approximately 5.00%, held constant after assessment.

Compatible pigment dispersant: approximately 1.50%.

Compatible leveling additive: approximately 0.50%.

Application approach:

Prepare each pigment dispersion with the selected oligomer, reactive diluents and dispersant, using the same equipment and dispersion protocol.
Control processing temperature and check grind fineness before adding the remaining components.
Incorporate the photoinitiator package and leveling additive under controlled light conditions.
Measure viscosity, pigment dispersion quality and short-term physical stability.
Apply identical film thicknesses to the same prepared substrate and cure under documented exposure conditions.
Compare opacity, gloss, adhesion and cure at both the surface and the substrate interface.
Check resistance to relevant liquids and evaluate cracking or loss of flexibility after conditioning.

Keep pigment grade and surface treatment constant because they can affect dispersion and light penetration. A dry top surface does not prove through-cure. If curing is inadequate, optimize the photoinitiator, exposure or film thickness in a separate series and repeat the composition comparison. Do not assume that increasing PHOTOMER 4061 alone resolves optical limitations in a pigmented film.

EXAMPLE 3: PHOTOMER 4061 SCREENING IN A UV-CURABLE ACRYLATE ADHESIVE

Objective: Evaluate how PHOTOMER 4061 influences adhesive flow, bondline curing and mechanical performance when total oligomer content remains constant.

Starting approach:

Flexible urethane acrylate oligomer: approximately 70.00%, held constant.

PHOTOMER 4061 (TPGDA): approximately 10.00%, 15.00% and 20.00% in separate trials.

Isobornyl acrylate: approximately 17.00%, 12.00% and 7.00%, respectively.

Photoinitiator package compatible with the source and bondline: approximately 3.00%, held constant after assessment.

Substrate preparation, adhesive quantity, bondline thickness and assembly geometry: held constant.

At least one adherend must transmit the wavelengths required by the selected photoinitiator through to the bondline. Visual transparency alone does not establish this condition.

Application approach:

Blend the oligomer, PHOTOMER 4061 and isobornyl acrylate until uniform.
Incorporate the photoinitiator and check for undissolved material and entrained air.
Measure viscosity and assess controlled spreading or dispensing on representative substrates.
Prepare matched assemblies with a defined bondline thickness.
Cure through the selected transmitting adherend, accounting for its spectral transmission and recording the exposure conditions.
After consistent conditioning, compare bond strength using a method suited to the assembly and record adhesive, cohesive or substrate failure.
Evaluate thermal or moisture conditioning relevant to the intended service, and investigate shrinkage-related stress where observed.

These trials are not a pressure-sensitive adhesive design or a medical-device qualification. Select PHOTOMER 4061 dosage from bond performance and cure evidence rather than dispensing viscosity alone. An inaccessible or opaque bondline requires a different validated curing strategy.

For all three examples, avoid skin and eye contact with uncured acrylates and follow the current Safety Data Sheets for protective equipment, ventilation and storage. Protect photosensitive formulations from unintended exposure and monitor mixing temperature. Do not remove or alter the supplied inhibitor system without explicit supplier guidance. Requirements for oxygen during storage and atmosphere during curing must be assessed separately. Verify residual monomer, final performance, packaging compatibility and relevant end-use requirements before scale-up; these examples do not establish food-contact, cosmetic, dental or medical suitability.

QUALITY CONTROL, PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS AND PURCHASING CRITERIA

PHOTOMER 4061 should be evaluated as both a chemical substance and a controlled manufacturing input. Identity checks establish that the material is TPGDA; quality checks establish that the offered grade is consistent enough for its intended process. Depending on application, the most relevant indicators include viscosity, visual clarity, color, acidity, water, stabilizer content and residual solvent.

The historical published specification gives viscosity 10-17 mPa.s at 25 °C, APHA color 50 maximum, acid value 0.5 mg KOH/g maximum, moisture 0.2% maximum, inhibitor up to 400 ppm and solvent up to 1000 ppm. It also reports density 1.030-1.050 g/cm3 and refractive index 1.4475-1.4505 at 25 °C. A buyer must verify whether these limits still apply to the currently offered PHOTOMER 4061 grade and any applicable variant.

The product data sheet, or TDS, describes chemical identity, typical properties, specification limits and applications. The safety data sheet, or SDS, explains hazard classification, PPE, emergency response, storage, disposal and transport requirements. A certificate of analysis, or COA, should associate analytical results or release status with a specific batch; a generic TDS is not a substitute for a batch certificate.

For highly controlled production, consider agreement on incoming inspection, lot traceability, storage history, container integrity and what constitutes an out-of-specification finding. A low-acid, low-color lot can still underperform if the inhibitor package or cure response is not suitable for the chosen process. Conversely, good cure results on a sample do not justify ignoring unverified transport or regulatory requirements.

A dated product sheet historically mentions 200 kg drums and intermediate bulk containers. Packaging, minimum order quantity, inventory, origin and documents available for a particular offer must be confirmed with Ataman Kimya rather than represented as present commitments.

REGULATORY STATUS AND END-USE RESTRICTIONS

TPGDA has an EC identifier and appears in European chemical regulatory information systems, and PHOTOMER 4061 is associated with the same underlying substance. These identifiers support chemical identification, but actual supply obligations under REACH, CLP, occupational protection and other frameworks depend on jurisdiction, use, tonnage, registration responsibilities and the current supply chain. A registry listing is not a blanket assurance of compliance in every destination.

Food-contact coatings and inks involve rules about permitted substances, migration and finished articles. UV curing alone does not eliminate the need for these assessments, and the presence of a TPGDA monomer in an ink or coating does not imply that the final article is automatically approved for direct or indirect food contact. Compliance evaluation should include worst-case exposure and any applicable functional barrier or migration assumptions.

Cosmetic and medical uses require separate scrutiny. PHOTOMER 4061 is profiled here as an industrial reactive monomer; the fact that many other acrylates can be used in specialized healthcare technologies does not establish this grade as cosmetic, medical or biocompatible. No food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic or medical-grade certification is asserted.

The exact current SDS must be obtained for the supplied product and destination. Classification of neat monomer, mixtures and cured coatings can differ materially, and workplace labeling is governed by the actual composition and regional rules. Historical transport and packaging information should never replace the current shipping documentation.

FIRST AID

Inhalation: If PHOTOMER 4061 mist, vapor or aerosol is inhaled, move the affected person to fresh air and keep them comfortable for breathing. Obtain medical advice if coughing, irritation, breathing difficulty or other symptoms occur; seek urgent assistance for severe respiratory symptoms. Exposure should be investigated and controlled at its source.

Skin Contact: For PHOTOMER 4061 contamination, remove affected clothing and wash exposed skin thoroughly with water and soap. Do not use solvents to clean the skin. Because TPGDA can irritate and sensitize skin, seek medical attention if redness, rash, itching or other symptoms develop or persist, and avoid further exposure until assessed.

Eye Contact: If PHOTOMER 4061 enters the eyes, cautiously rinse with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, and continue rinsing. Obtain prompt medical advice if irritation persists or is significant. Eye contact with uncured acrylate monomer should not be minimized simply because it is a low-viscosity liquid.

Ingestion: If PHOTOMER 4061 is swallowed, rinse the mouth, do not induce vomiting and seek medical advice or contact a poison center promptly. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Provide the current product SDS to the medical professional wherever possible.

Note to Medical Personnel: PHOTOMER 4061 contains a skin-sensitizing acrylate monomer with irritation potential. Treatment should be guided by the exposure circumstances, symptoms and authoritative product-specific safety information; these first-aid notes are not a replacement for emergency medical care or the current SDS.

HANDLING AND STORAGE

Handling: Treat PHOTOMER 4061 as an uncured reactive acrylate rather than an innocuous finishing solvent. Prevent splashes, skin contact and aerosol generation during blending, pumping, coating and cleaning; use closed transfer and good industrial hygiene where practicable. Do not eat, drink or smoke in handling areas, and wash thoroughly after working with the monomer.

Engineering Controls: Transfer and mixing operations involving PHOTOMER 4061 should be designed to control liquid contamination and any mist or vapor that the operation can generate. General ventilation and local exhaust should be chosen from the actual exposure assessment. Low room-temperature vapor pressure does not remove exposure risk from atomization, spraying, heated equipment or spills.

Personal Protective Equipment: Personnel handling PHOTOMER 4061 should use suitable chemical-resistant gloves, eye or face protection and clothing that prevents prolonged skin contact. The correct glove material and replacement schedule should follow the current SDS and evidence of chemical resistance, not assumptions based only on glove appearance. Contaminated workwear requires controlled cleaning or replacement.

Respiratory Protection: Where assessment indicates that ventilation is insufficient for PHOTOMER 4061 mists or vapors, use properly selected and fitted respiratory protection according to the regional SDS and occupational hygiene program. Respirators supplement, rather than replace, engineering controls. Unprotected entry into a contaminated space is inappropriate.

Storage: Store PHOTOMER 4061 in compatible, tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, shaded and well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight and heat. Maintain any needed inhibitor and follow current supplier conditions; uncontrolled heating, contamination and exposure to strong initiation sources can cause unwanted polymerization. The published product sheet states at least 12 months of storage stability under its recommended conditions, but current labeling governs each lot.

Cold-Temperature Behavior: The historical PHOTOMER 4061 sheet warns that the monomer may congeal or stratify in cold conditions and recommends returning it to room temperature and mixing before use. This should be done without excessive or improvised heating and with attention to container pressure, inhibitor integrity, current SDS and the actual storage history. Cold-induced separation does not automatically indicate chemical decomposition, but quality should be checked before use.

Incompatible Materials: Keep PHOTOMER 4061 away from uncontrolled contact with strong radical initiators, reactive contaminants, oxidizing agents, incompatible chemicals and sources of heat or intense light as identified in the current SDS. Use equipment materials whose compatibility with inhibited acrylate monomer has been established. Do not transfer the material into unverified containers or tools that may carry reactive residues.

Spill Procedures: Restrict access to a PHOTOMER 4061 spill, protect workers from contact and prevent the monomer from entering drains. Use inert absorbent and containment methods compatible with the current safety instructions, while avoiding additional contamination or initiator exposure. Manage collected material as hazardous chemical waste when required, rather than washing it into sewer systems.

Environmental Precautions: TPGDA is identified in substance hazard listings as toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects. Releases of PHOTOMER 4061 should be prevented by sound transfer, storage and waste-handling systems. Notify relevant authorities where required by the size and circumstances of a release.

Fire Response: PHOTOMER 4061 is an organic, polymerizable liquid, and heating can produce hazardous decomposition and uncontrolled exothermic polymerization. Trained responders should follow the regional SDS for suitable extinguishing media, cooling, containment, protective breathing equipment and isolation distances. Do not assume that a high flash point, if reported for another TPGDA grade, makes heated or contaminated monomer harmless.

Waste Disposal: Dispose of surplus PHOTOMER 4061, contaminated absorbent and uncleaned packaging in accordance with local hazardous waste requirements and the current SDS. Do not deliberately initiate uncontrolled bulk polymerization as a waste treatment. The hazard status of fully cured waste must be evaluated separately from that of the uncured monomer and from any other formulation constituents.

SAFETY AND TRANSPORT INFORMATION

The underlying TPGDA substance is classified by several reputable chemical hazard sources for skin irritation (H315), allergic skin reaction (H317), serious eye irritation (H319), respiratory irritation (H335) and aquatic chronic hazard (H411). These categories are a sound basis for explaining the general hazard profile of uncured TPGDA; exact workplace labeling and any additional hazards must be verified against the current PHOTOMER 4061 SDS issued for the relevant market.

Skin sensitization is especially important in regular industrial handling. Repeated or substantial contact can increase the risk of an allergic response, and sensitized individuals may react to later exposures. Training, good glove selection, clean equipment, spill control and medical reporting of symptoms are necessary elements of an effective prevention program.

For transport, a separately marketed stabilized TPGDA grade identifies UN 3082, proper shipping description 'ENVIRONMENTALLY HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE, LIQUID, N.O.S.', Class 9, Packing Group III. This is evidence of a possible transport classification for TPGDA, not independently verified transport data for the exact currently supplied PHOTOMER 4061 grade. The shipper must consult its current region-specific SDS Section 14 and relevant ADR/RID, IMDG or IATA rules, including any applicable packaging thresholds or exceptions.

The current product-specific SDS was not accessible for independent verification during preparation of this profile, although the producer lists regional SDS documents through its document portal. Consequently, no definitive transport classification, tested flash point or current occupational exposure limit is represented as a guaranteed property of PHOTOMER 4061. This transparency is essential for safe commercial use.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT PHOTOMER 4061

What is PHOTOMER 4061?
PHOTOMER 4061 is a low-viscosity commercial grade of tripropylene glycol diacrylate used mainly as a difunctional reactive diluent in UV- and EB-curable systems.

What does TPGDA stand for?
TPGDA stands for tripropylene glycol diacrylate, the chemical identity underlying PHOTOMER 4061.

Is PHOTOMER 4061 the same as tripropylene glycol diacrylate?
PHOTOMER 4061 is based on TPGDA, but its commercial grade specifications and stabilizer or residual-content limits must still be checked.

What is the CAS number of PHOTOMER 4061?
The main TPGDA constituent is identified by CAS 42978-66-5.

What is the EC number of TPGDA?
The EC/EINECS number is 256-032-2.

What is the molecular formula?
The nominal underlying TPGDA substance has molecular formula C15H24O6.

What is the molecular weight?
Approximately 300.35 g/mol; the published product data sheet rounds this to 300.3 g/mol.

How many acrylate groups does PHOTOMER 4061 contain?
The nominal TPGDA molecule has two polymerizable acrylate groups, so its functionality is two.

Is PHOTOMER 4061 a monomer or oligomer?
PHOTOMER 4061 is a low-molecular-weight difunctional monomer, not a high-molecular-weight oligomer.

What does reactive diluent mean?
It reduces liquid formulation viscosity and is designed to take part in polymerization rather than evaporate as a conventional solvent.

Is PHOTOMER 4061 a photoinitiator?
No. It supplies polymerizable double bonds; most UV free-radical formulations require a compatible photoinitiator system.

Does PHOTOMER 4061 cure without a photoinitiator?
EB processing may initiate suitable systems directly, but UV curing normally requires an appropriate initiating mechanism and validated conditions.

What is the published viscosity of PHOTOMER 4061?
The 2016 product sheet reports 10-17 mPa.s at 25 °C by Brookfield/ISO 2555, while the product website lists a typical 13 mPa.s.

Why do some documents quote 13 or 14 mPa.s?
Those are typical product-listing or family-guide values; the documented 10-17 mPa.s range is a historical published specification.

What is its density?
The published product data sheet lists 1.030-1.050 g/cm3 at 25 °C.

What is the refractive index of PHOTOMER 4061?
The published 2016 product sheet reports 1.4475-1.4505 at 25 °C.

What is the color specification?
APHA/Hazen color is listed as 50 maximum in the historical product sheet.

What is the acid value?
The historical PHOTOMER 4061 product sheet specifies a maximum of 0.5 mg KOH/g.

What is the water content specification?
Moisture is reported as 0.2% maximum, determined by a Karl Fischer method referenced in the published data sheet.

Does PHOTOMER 4061 contain an inhibitor?
The historical data sheet specifies inhibitor content up to 400 ppm, but the exact inhibitor identity and current accepted range require current documentation.

What is the residual solvent limit?
The historical product data sheet lists a solvent-content maximum of 1000 ppm by gas chromatography.

Is PHOTOMER 4061 a liquid?
Yes, it is marketed as a clean, clear liquid, although the product sheet warns it can congeal or stratify in cold conditions.

What is the melting point of PHOTOMER 4061?
No reliable single grade-specific melting or freezing point was established from the available product sheet.

Is the 64 °C value a melting point?
No. A product guide lists about 64 °C as a typical glass-transition temperature of a cured TPGDA homopolymer, not the melting point of the liquid monomer.

What is the boiling point?
A reliable grade-specific atmospheric-pressure boiling point was not established; estimated database values should not be substituted for a verified product measurement.

What is its flash point?
The cited PHOTOMER 4061 TDS does not provide one; a separate TPGDA grade lists 172 °C, which must not be assumed to apply to PHOTOMER 4061.

Is PHOTOMER 4061 water soluble?
TPGDA has limited aqueous solubility; a separate laboratory grade cites roughly 0.36 g/L at 25 °C, not a PHOTOMER 4061 lot specification.

Is PHOTOMER 4061 a waterborne surfactant?
No. It is a nonionic acrylate ester monomer used primarily in radiation-curing formulations, not a surfactant salt.

What is its typical surface tension?
A published product-family guide gives approximately 32 mN/m at 25 °C, as a representative comparison value.

What industries use PHOTOMER 4061?
Graphic arts, printing inks, wood and metal coatings, plastic-film topcoats, selected adhesives, electronics-oriented coatings and specialty energy-curing systems.

Can PHOTOMER 4061 be used in UV coatings?
Yes, UV/EB topcoats, clear coatings and pigmented coatings are principal documented applications.

Can PHOTOMER 4061 be used in paper overprint varnishes?
Yes. The published product sheet explicitly mentions radiation-curable overprint varnishes and topcoats for paper.

Can it be used on flexible plastic films?
PHOTOMER 4061 is marketed for suitable flexible plastic film topcoats; adhesion, bending and curing must be validated on the actual substrate.

Does PHOTOMER 4061 help reduce ink viscosity?
PHOTOMER 4061 can reduce viscosity in compatible radiation-curable ink formulations, but the final rheology depends on oligomers, pigments and additives.

Can PHOTOMER 4061 be used in inkjet systems?
Inkjet is listed as a market application, but printhead compatibility, jetting behavior, contamination and curing must be validated independently.

Is it used in wood finishing?
Yes, wood coatings are a documented market, provided the coating achieves the required adhesion, flexibility and resistance.

Can it be used for metal coatings?
PHOTOMER 4061 can be screened in radiation-curable metal topcoats, with surface preparation, cure access and corrosion requirements carefully evaluated.

Can PHOTOMER 4061 be used in adhesives?
Adhesives are an identified application market, but bond strength, peel performance, shrinkage and cure penetration depend on the full adhesive system.

Does it improve hardness?
PHOTOMER 4061 can contribute to cured-film network formation and hardness, although the magnitude depends on formulation and conversion.

Does PHOTOMER 4061 improve flexibility?
The ether-rich spacer of PHOTOMER 4061 may support useful flexibility in some formulations, but a difunctional cured network can still be brittle if poorly balanced.

Does it improve gloss?
The manufacturer describes glossy cured films, but gloss depends on substrate, coating thickness, leveling, pigmentation and cure.

Does it improve abrasion resistance?
The published product sheet describes useful abrasion and scuff resistance; test the finished coating to quantify results.

How does PHOTOMER 4061 differ from HDDA?
Both are difunctional acrylates, but TPGDA contains propylene glycol-derived ether units and has different typical viscosity and performance trade-offs.

How does PHOTOMER 4061 differ from DPGDA?
DPGDA has a shorter dipropylene glycol-derived spacer, and its cure and mechanical behavior may differ despite sharing difunctional acrylate chemistry.

Is it interchangeable with other TPGDA brands?
Not automatically; compare inhibitor content, color, acidity, residuals, current documentation and actual cure performance.

Can PHOTOMER 4061 be blended with urethane acrylates?
PHOTOMER 4061 is described as having useful solvency and viscosity reduction with common radiation-curable oligomers, but each exact blend still requires compatibility testing.

Can it be blended with epoxy acrylates?
PHOTOMER 4061 is relevant for radiation-curable oligomer systems including many epoxy-acrylate formulations, subject to testing.

Does adding more PHOTOMER 4061 always improve cure?
No. More diluent changes reactive-group concentration, network architecture, shrinkage and other properties, and a higher level can worsen performance.

What is oxygen inhibition?
Atmospheric oxygen can quench reactive radicals near a curing acrylate surface, sometimes causing persistent tack despite good bulk conversion.

Is PHOTOMER 4061 compatible with UV-LED curing?
PHOTOMER 4061 can participate in free-radical UV-LED formulations if the photoinitiator and optical system match the actual light source.

Does EB curing need a photoinitiator?
Many EB free-radical formulations do not use a conventional UV photoinitiator, but technical design and validation are still essential.

Does PHOTOMER 4061 shrink during curing?
Acrylate polymerization can produce volumetric shrinkage; the actual degree and resulting stress are formulation and conversion dependent.

Can it prevent coating cracks?
Appropriate formulation may balance flexibility and stress, but PHOTOMER 4061 alone does not guarantee crack resistance.

Can it be used as a complete coating by itself?
PHOTOMER 4061 is sold as a reactive monomer ingredient; a finished commercial coating requires a validated formulation and process.

Is PHOTOMER 4061 suitable for food-contact packaging?
No general approval is established here; migration, residual chemistry and jurisdiction-specific requirements must be assessed.

Is it suitable for cosmetics or medical devices?
No such grade-specific authorization or suitability is established; the industrial monomer should not be presumed appropriate for those uses.

Is PHOTOMER 4061 harmful to skin?
Uncured TPGDA can irritate skin and cause allergic sensitization, so direct contact must be prevented.

What are the main hazard statements for TPGDA?
Substance classifications commonly include H315, H317, H319, H335 and H411; check the current PHOTOMER 4061 regional SDS for actual product labeling.

What if PHOTOMER 4061 contacts the skin?
Remove contaminated clothing, wash skin well with soap and water, and seek medical advice if rash or irritation occurs.

What if PHOTOMER 4061 gets into the eyes?
Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses when easy, continue rinsing and seek medical guidance if symptoms persist.

What should be done after inhaling mist?
Move to fresh air, avoid further exposure and obtain medical assistance if respiratory symptoms develop or worsen.

Should vomiting be induced after ingestion?
No. Rinse the mouth and promptly seek medical advice or poison-center guidance without inducing vomiting.

What PPE is appropriate?
Chemical-resistant gloves, suitable eye protection, protective clothing and exposure-appropriate respiratory controls should be selected from the current SDS and risk assessment.

How should PHOTOMER 4061 be stored?
Keep it closed in compatible containers in cool, dry, shaded and ventilated storage away from heat, sunlight and contaminants, following current supplier instructions.

Does PHOTOMER 4061 polymerize during storage?
Uncontrolled heat, initiating contamination or light can promote unwanted polymerization; inhibitor management and storage controls are important.

Can the product thicken in cold conditions?
The published sheet warns of congealing or stratification; safe return to room temperature and mixing may be needed before quality rechecking.

How long is the shelf life?
A 2016 product sheet states at least 12 months under recommended storage, but the current lot label and documentation are authoritative.

Is PHOTOMER 4061 environmentally hazardous?
The underlying TPGDA substance is identified with an aquatic chronic hazard, and releases to water or drains should be avoided.

What is the UN transport number?
A separate stabilized TPGDA grade reports UN 3082, but the exact current PHOTOMER 4061 assignment must be checked in its regional SDS Section 14.

What does UN 3082 represent?
It is the UN entry for environmentally hazardous substance, liquid, not otherwise specified; whether it applies depends on actual product classification and transport rules.

What documents should a buyer request?
Request the current TDS, applicable regional SDS and, where available, a batch-specific COA, along with packaging and transport information.

What is the distinction between a TDS and an SDS?
A TDS focuses on product properties and uses; an SDS describes hazards, safe handling, emergency measures and transport information.

What is a COA?
A certificate of analysis associates analytical test results or release criteria with a specific manufacturing batch.

What packaging has been mentioned for PHOTOMER 4061?
A historical manufacturer sheet mentions 200 kg drums and IBCs; current availability and packaging options require confirmation.

What is the first step in qualifying a formulation?
Define the target process and performance requirements, then compare viscosity, stability, cure and cured-film properties against a controlled baseline.

How can cure be evaluated?
Useful methods can include conversion measurements, surface tack, hardness, solvent rub, adhesion and residual-monomer analysis chosen for the actual system.

What should be checked when substituting PHOTOMER 4061?
Confirm chemistry, stabilizer content, viscosity, acidity, moisture, color, solvent residues, exposure hazards and cured-film performance.

How can PHOTOMER 4061 be sourced through Ataman Kimya?
Contact Ataman Kimya with the intended use, performance needs, quantity and destination to request suitable grade documentation, packaging, current availability and a quotation.

TECHNICAL SUMMARY

PHOTOMER 4061 is a low-viscosity difunctional reactive monomer based on tripropylene glycol diacrylate, CAS 42978-66-5 and EC 256-032-2. Two acrylate groups allow its incorporation into free-radical networks, while the tripropylene glycol-derived chain contributes different solvency and cured-film behavior from purely aliphatic or shorter-chain alternatives. Its primary applications are energy-curable coatings, printing inks, overprint varnishes and selected adhesives.

A published 2016 product data sheet gives 10-17 mPa.s viscosity at 25 °C, APHA color 50 maximum, acid value 0.5 mg KOH/g maximum, moisture 0.2% maximum, inhibitor 400 ppm maximum, residual solvent 1000 ppm maximum, density 1.030-1.050 g/cm3 and refractive index 1.4475-1.4505 at 25 °C. The current product listing quotes a representative 13 mPa.s at 25 °C. Such values must be checked against the latest supplied grade specification and batch results.

Commercial advantages include low liquid viscosity, good solvency for many radiation-curable oligomers and the ability to form useful coatings under validated UV/EB curing. Performance depends on formulation chemistry, substrate, wetting, pigmentation, initiation, conversion and end-use conditions, with shrinkage and adhesion among key trade-offs. Sensitization, irritation, aquatic hazards and unintended polymerization require appropriate occupational controls.

The available historical product sheet indicates storage in cool, shaded, dry and ventilated conditions and warns of low-temperature congealing or stratification. Its shelf-life statement and historical packaging information are not assurances for a current lot. A current regional SDS, TDS and batch COA are important for safe purchasing, shipping and performance qualification.

CONTACT ATAMAN KIMYA

Customers considering PHOTOMER 4061 for radiation-curable coatings, printing inks, overprint varnishes or adhesives may contact Ataman Kimya to discuss their intended use and technical requirements. Relevant topics include the offered commercial grade, current technical documentation, the intended UV or EB system, suitable packaging options, current availability and a commercial quotation. These details should be confirmed rather than assumed.

For a productive technical discussion, specify the substrate, coating or printing process, target viscosity, resin family, curing technology, anticipated quantity and any regulated end use. Ask for the current product data sheet, region-specific safety data sheet and available batch quality documentation before concluding that the material meets the application requirements.

Ataman Chemicals
Phone: +90 216 577 10 10
Email: info@atamankimya.com